- Lauren Hemp was linked with Barcelona in 2024
- The winger signed a new Man City deal instead
- City are chasing an FA Cup and WSL double
Manchester City Women are one win away from completing a domestic double, with a key member of their title-winning side now reflecting on her long-term future.
The Citizens secured their first Women’s Super League title since 2016 earlier this month. They now have the opportunity to complete a league and cup double on the weekend.
The women’s side face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Likewise, Lauren Hemp will be central to those hopes as one of the club’s most important attacking players.
She joined the club from Bristol City in 2018 and has since scored 44 goals in the English top-flight. However, the winger’s long-term future at the Joie Stadium had once been far less certain.
Lauren Hemp ‘proud’ of Man City decision after Barcelona interest
Hemp was heavily linked with a move to FC Barcelona in 2024 as she approached the end of her previous Man City contract.
However, the England international eventually committed her future to the Citizens by signing a new three-year deal.
The extension pushed the contract expiration to the summer of 2027, and now she has reflected on that decision.
Speaking to GOAL, Hemp said, “I’m proud of my decision. I’m really happy that I stayed and worked so hard to win [the WSL], as everyone has.”
The 25-year-old also explained that she trusted the club to return to competing for major trophies despite having gone several years without winning the league.
Hemp’s decision has paid off for Man City as well
Keeping Hemp was a significant piece of business for City, particularly given the level of club reportedly interested in signing her.
Barcelona have remained one of the strongest teams in European women’s football, and losing an England international entering the peak years of her career would have been a major blow.
Regardless, Hemp has continued to play an important role in City’s attack. She featured 18 times in the WSL this season.
Likewise, she recorded a goal and six assists in the English top flight. The 25-year-old also created three chances and won five duels in a crucial 1-0 win over Liverpool this month.
FA Cup final offers Hemp chance to make season even more special
Man City are just one victory away from ending the campaign with two major domestic trophies. Likewise, their place in the FA Cup final was secured after they came from 2-0 down to beat Chelsea 3-2 after extra time.
Hemp played a decisive role in that victory, creating two chances and making six defensive contributions throughout the game.
Nevertheless, Brighton will provide another difficult challenge at Wembley. The Seagulls beat them 3-2 in the WSL last month before producing their own comeback in the FA Cup semi-final.
However, City will head into the final with the confidence of champions and the chance to establish this season as the beginning of a new successful period.
