England international goalkeeper Khiara Keating has reportedly declined a new contract offer from Manchester City as her current deal enters its final year. The 21-year-old, who spent the previous season as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Japan’s Ayaka Yamashita, could now be on her way out of the reigning Women’s Super League (WSL) champions amid growing interest from other top-flight clubs.

Challenging times after a promising rise

Keating had an exceptional breakout campaign with Manchester City during the 2023-24 season, when she established herself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper at just 19 years old. Her outstanding performances saw her claim the WSL’s Golden Glove award after keeping nine clean sheets, making her the youngest player ever to win the accolade. Her impressive form also earned her a call-up to the England national team.

However, Keating’s playing time has diminished since that breakthrough season. During the 2024-25 campaign, she featured in 12 league matches, down from 22 the previous year, and in the most recent season, she started only four WSL games. She did, however, start in the FA Cup, where City defeated Brighton 4-0 to lift the trophy, though she missed the final after suffering a concussion.

Impact on international career

Keating’s limited minutes at club level have also affected her England prospects. The young goalkeeper was omitted from some of Sarina Wiegman’s squads in 2026 due to her lack of game time. She was part of the England team that secured a second consecutive European Championship title in Switzerland last summer, serving as backup to first-choice goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, and later made her senior debut for the Lionesses at the Etihad Stadium.

Since that debut in October, Keating has not returned to the England squad — partly due to injuries and partly because of reduced opportunities at Manchester City. With the 2027 Women’s World Cup on the horizon, she will be hoping for more consistent playing time in the coming year to strengthen her case for selection.

Keating rejects Manchester City extension

Speculation about Keating’s future has intensified after a report from BBC Sport revealed that she turned down a new contract offer from Manchester City. Her current deal expires next summer, and the report suggests that several WSL clubs have expressed interest in signing her. It also notes that the 21-year-old ‘is uncertain about her future’ at the club.

In an interview with GOAL last month, Keating spoke candidly about her reduced playing time during the 2025-26 season. She said, “It’s been tough. At the end of the day, everyone wants to play, so not getting as many minutes as I can in the league was a bit disappointing, but there’s always another opportunity. There’s always a chance to get better, and I think in the cup games that I’ve played, I’ve taken those opportunities.”

She added, “I’ve always learned to be ready. With England as well, at the Euros, I was number two, but Sarina always made sure I was ready. When Karen Bardsley and Ellie Roebuck were here, I had to be patient and wait. At the end of the day, I’m here to do a job, so I always prepare as well as I can, no matter what’s happened.”

Could a new chapter be on the horizon?

With her contract running down, Keating could soon be moving to another WSL club in search of regular first-team football — something that helped her rise to prominence during the 2023-24 season. Those performances came under former City manager Gareth Taylor, who now leads Liverpool, a club reportedly in the market for a goalkeeper this summer.

Jennifer Falk was instrumental for Liverpool after joining on loan from Hacken in January, playing a vital role in helping the Reds avoid relegation after being bottom of the table at Christmas. However, according to BBC Sport, Liverpool and the Sweden international were unable to reach an agreement to make her stay permanent.

Liverpool currently have Rachael Laws, Faye Kirby, and Rafaela Borggrafe as their goalkeeping options. Borggrafe spent the latter half of last season out on loan, while Laws has not featured for the Reds since May 2025, and Kirby lost her starting spot to Falk following the Swede’s arrival.

Keating’s situation will be one to watch closely in the coming months, as she weighs her options and considers the next step in her career — one that could reignite both her club and international ambitions.