Manchester United is nearing a deal to sign Canadian midfielder Simi Awujo on a three-year contract.
According to The Guardian, Awujo’s transfer to the Women’s Super League is set to be finalized, pending approval of her visa. The 20-year-old has had positive discussions with the club.
Awujo has been playing in the collegiate system in the United States for the USC Trojans. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she represented the United States at youth levels before switching to Canada’s youth team in 2022 and debuted for the senior Canadian team that same year at 18. To date, she has 19 caps and was part of the squad that advanced to the quarter-finals of this summer’s Olympics in Paris.
The club is eager to strengthen their midfield following the departures of Katie Zelem and Irene Guerrero over the summer.
If finalized, Awujo will be Marc Skinner’s fifth summer signing, joining Dutch defender Dominique Janssen, French forward Melvine Malard, Norwegian striker Elisabeth Terland, and Swedish full-back Anna Sandberg.
Reports suggest that the FA Cup winners are also looking to sign a goalkeeper after Mary Earps’ transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
The WSL season commences on the weekend of September 21-22, with United set to host West Ham at Old Trafford. This match is one of three fixtures that will take place at Old Trafford this season, with the other games against Crystal Palace in February and a derby against Manchester City in May during the penultimate weekend.
In related news, Manchester City have secured the signing of England youth international goalkeeper Eve Annets from Reading after the Berkshire club’s relegation from the Championship to the fifth tier.
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The 18-year-old goalkeeper has agreed to a four-year contract with Gareth Taylor’s team. She expressed that completing the move felt “incredible” and stated: “The last 12 months have been eventful, filled with both highs and lows. Making my England debut for the Under-19s was a fantastic experience. There were some challenges at Reading, but I have been fortunate to be part of a great group of girls and coaches there.
“My family has roots in Manchester; my parents grew up here, so I have lots of relatives in the area. Though I’m not familiar with it myself, I am eager to learn and grow in this city.”
