Manchester United FA Cup winner Lucia Garcia leaves club with exodus now on the cards
Manchester United have confirmed the departure of forward Lucia Garcia.
Garcia, 25, joined the Red Devils in July 2022 from Athletic Club and spent two years playing under manager Marc Skinner, helping United Women to their first major trophy since the team's re-launch in last year's FA Cup final.
The Spain international, who did not compete at the Women's World Cup due to boycotting the employment of ex-head coach Jorge Vilda, grabbed a brace in the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final.
But despite the success and reported offers from United to keep hold of Garcia, the forward's exit has been confirmed by the club. Garcia has previously been linked with a move to Las Rayadas, last year's Liga MX Femenil champions.
Speaking to the club about her exit, Garcia said: "For me, it has been two incredible seasons. I was so happy to have been a part of this team and to have helped the team. We are like a family.
"I am going to miss every single piece of Manchester United. All my friends, all the team, all the staff, all the workers here. I think one of the hardest parts is to leave the fans. I feel the support they give to me. I can feel they love me and I love them.
"[When they chant my name] I just feel it in my heart like 'boom, boom, boom'. They give me the power to keep going, to keep fighting.
"But at the end of the day, I have to say goodbye. That's so hard for me, and the only thing I can say to you all is I love you [from] the bottom of my heart."
The Spaniard's exit marks the second successive season that a high-profile player has departed United on a free transfer, with Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle leaving last summer for Arsenal and Barcelona respective, much to the chagrin of fans. Garcia could be the first of three high-profile exits, with goalkeeper Mary Earps and forward Nikita Parris both expected to depart upon the expiration of their contracts. Earps is set to join French giants PSG.
Elisabeth Terland has been tagged as a potential replacement for Lucia Garcia
One name mooted as a potential replacement for Garcia by United, whose football operations are now being overseen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new INEOS minority ownership, is Brighton & Hove Albion striker Elisabeth Terland.
Terland, 22, scored 13 goals in 22 Women's Super League appearances and 15 across all competitions. The Norway international's contract with Brighton also expires this summer and United are one of many clubs interested in procuring the forward's signature.
Terland was named Brighton's Player of the Season. Speaking to the club after winning the award, the striker said: “For me as a player too [this year] has been a challenge but it’s been great and I feel really happy to be part of such a good group.
"I’m just excited for where the club is going in the future. We have quality all round. If we can keep building and keep developing it can be very exciting.”
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