Nikita Parris traverses the same path taken by ex-Arsenal forward Robin van Persie. Moving from North London to Greater Manchester, the England international put papers to deal that keeps her at Manchester United till 2023/24. The 28-year-old- who has a wealth of experience-  plied her trade across clubs in England- Everton, Manchester City and Arsenal– alongside a stint with Olympique Lyonnais in France to go with her 67 caps for the Three Lionesses. 

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Born in Toxteth, Liverpool, Parris was raised alongside her twin sister and two brothers. Showing her talent for football from an early age, she formed a football side, Kingsley United. Although a lifelong Liverpool supporter, she joined Everton’s academy at 14. She made her debut for the Toffees aged 16 against Arsenal in a league fixture. She would soon establish herself in the first eleven. Her best years at the club would coincide with their fall from grace. Her six goals in 11 fixtures- during the 2013 season- helped guide the Merseysiders to a third-place finish. But the season after would prove disastrous for them. Despite her 11 goals in 19 games, Everton suffered a stinker of a season, failing to win a single game. Their relegation to WSL 2 was confirmed; Parris moved base to Manchester City, initially on loan. 

Joined by Everton teammates Toni Duggan and Jill Scott, she spent four years at the club (2015 to 2019). Scoring 37 goals in 72 games, she was instrumental in the Sky Blues’ success. During her stay at the Eastlands, she won her first WSL in 2016, the WSL Cup in 2016 and 2018/19 and the FA Women’s Cup in 2016/17 and 2018/19. 
After her stint in Manchester, she transferred to Europe’s premier women’s side Olympique Lyonnais. The French club, known for its domination of the Women’s Champions League, yielded her four more trophies, including the coveted Champions League in her first season (2019/20). After two seasons in France, she returned to the WSL- snapped up by Arsenal for a club-record fee. It was an underwhelming spell, managing only six goals in 38 appearances. 

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The veteran won the Euro Cup over the summer as England nudged Germany in extra time, coming off the bench twice during their victorious campaign. Donning the Manchester red, she hopes to rekindle the form that made her a once fearsome striker and FWA Women’s Player of the Year in 2019.