Five clubs that could sign Georgia Stanway on free transfer amid uncertainty over Bayern Munich future | OneFootball

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Georgia Stanway could reportedly leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer next summer, so SheKicks has taken a look at five potential destinations for the Lionesses midfielder.

Georgia Stanway could leave Bayern Munich at the end of her contract

Sports Bild have reported that England international Georgia Stanway could leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer once her contract expires.

Stanway, who joined the German side from Manchester City in 2022, is in the final year of her contract at the club.

The 26-year-old is a regular for Bayern Munich, who came from behind to beat Arsenal 3-2 on Wednesday night. She said that Bayern Munich got “overexcited” against Arsenal, but ultimately they had enough quality to mount a stunning comeback win.

Stanway has given no indication that she wants to leave Bayern Munich, but with just seven months left on her contract, it appears possible that she could go.

With Bild reporting that Georgia Stanway is expected to leave the club, below SheKicks has picked five potential clubs she could join on a free transfer.

Five clubs Georgia Stanway could join on a free transfer

Arsenal

Arsenal are likely to emerge as one of the frontrunners in the race to sign Stanway should she leave Bayern Munich.

Kim Little will be 36 next summer, and Stanway could slot in perfectly next to Mariona Caldentey in the midfield in future seasons.

Stanway has talked about the Gunners with a mixture of respect and admiration before their Champions League.

She described Arsenal as a winning team and said that they “set the standards both on the pitch, organisationally and in terms of marketing”.

Stanway told Bayern Munich’s media team that she was a big admirer of Arsenal legend Kelly Smith, and also made comparisons between the two clubs.

She said: “They have got a lot of players who can create something from nothing. If you look at Alessia (Russo), Mariona (Caldentey), Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, Stina (Blackstenius), they have got a lot of creative players.

“I think Arsenal is a club like Bayern, they want to be at the forefront of things, and we have a lot of respect for them.”

It was also interesting that despite all the talent in the Bayern team, Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers highlighted the threat that Stanway posed.

Likelihood rating: 4/5

Manchester City

There has also been online speculation that Stanway could rejoin Manchester City in the future.

Stanway joined City at the age of 16 and spent eight years with the club, winning seven trophies, including two WSL titles.

She always wanted to play for the club, but left in 2022 after she felt she had “plateaued” in her final 18 months with the team.

Stanway, as per the Manchester Evening News said: “I was being asked to fill in different positions, like at left-back. And while I’m happy to do a job, I didn’t feel like I was getting any better or going anywhere.

“They [Manchester City] offered me a contract very, very late and it wasn’t the way I wanted it to end. So I just questioned myself and thought: ‘Well, if not now then when? When is the right time to go abroad? When is the right time to take the next step?’”

After getting her experience abroad, Stanway could be tempted by a return to City, who have impressed under new head coach Andree Jeglertz.

Despite the nature of her exit, a move to City would feel like a homecoming for Stanway, and she would unlikely face the same issues she had when she left the club.

Likelihood rating: 3/5

Chelsea

Given Chelsea’s status as the dominant force in the Women’s Super League, they can never be ruled out when it comes to making a move for a player like Stanway.

Chelsea’s recruitment strategy is always impressive, with Ellie Carpenter and Alyssa Thompson making instant impacts this season.

Sonia Bompastor’s side are stacked in midfield and would likely see an exit or two if they are to make a move for Stanway.

Arsenal and Manchester City are more likely destinations for Stanway next summer.

However, if a key midfielder does leave, Stanway will be near the top of Chelsea’s wishlist and the midfielder would have to consider a move to Stamford Bridge.

Likelihood rating: 2/5

Barcelona

Outside of the WSL, Barcelona are a club that could seriously consider a move for Stanway.

Barcelona are arguably the biggest club in the women’s game and would give Stanway the chance of winning domestic and Champions League titles every season.

It would be a surprise if Barcelona didn’t consider a move given that Stanway will be available on a free transfer, especially with their financial predicament.

This past summer saw an exodus of players that left just 17 players registered for their Liga F opener.

Barcelona have called for a change to LaLiga’s financial fair play rules, which accounts for the cost of the men’s, women’s and youth teams together. This means any deal for a women’s player has a knock-on effect on the men’s budget.

Their could be a potential revamp to the squad with a number of players including Alexia Putellas out of contract next summer.

Despite their financial predicament, Barcelona’s on-field success still makes them an attractive club to join and Stanway could enjoy a lot of success with the Spanish side.

Likelihood rating: 3/5

Barcelona’s financial situation means free transfers are likely and they could look to replace the likes of Alexia Putellas (pictured) who are in the final year of their deals. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Lyon

A wildcard club who could step up their interest in Stanway if she decides to leave Bayern Munich is Lyon.

Lyon have been somewhat quiet in terms of top transfers over recent years, but their success in Europe means they are always a club who could try their luck.

Stanway’s style of play, a blend of creativity and grit, could be seen as an ideal fit for Lyon’s midfield.

Lyon also like to keep an eye on potential free transfers, signing defender Ingrid Engen from Barcelona this past summer.

A move to England or Spain perhaps would be seen as more ideal, but Lyon’s domestic and European success puts them in contention.

Likelihood rating: 2/5