10 October 2023 , 08:21
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Mary Earps' sought-after England goalkeeper shirt has already sold out within a day of its release - with resales on eBay going for an eye-watering £200.
Kit manufacturers Nike failed to put any goalkeeper shirts on sale ahead of this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, with Manchester United star Earps admitting she was "hugely disappointed" by the decision. The Nottingham-born Lioness revealed that she'd been "fighting behind closed doors" and "trying to go through the correct channels" in an effort to change Nike's stance.
Amid increasing pressure from fans, the manufacturer announced a U-turn in August, saying that a limited number of shirts would be released. Earps, 30, was one of England's most influential figures at the World Cup and won goalkeeper of the tournament, also saving a penalty in the final before the Lionesses succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Spain.
Exactly 50 days after England's heartache, Nike finally put her shirt on sale in three different colours - pink, green and yellow - with 'Earps 1' printed on the back. Nike priced them at £99.95 and predictably, the shirts sold out within hours on Monday and sites like eBay become a hotbed for reales.
Two shirts - one yellow and one pink - were sold for a whopping £199.99 to fans desperate to get their hands on Earps' attire as soon as possible. Another went for £174.99, while two more were sold for £159.99.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
Fortunately for those keen to avoid paying an extortionate amount, the 30-year-old took to Instagram on Monday evening to confirm that Nike will be putting more shirts on sale at retail price. "Didn't realise these were going on sale today and you've sold them out already!" Earps wrote.
Have your say! Is Mary Earps the best goalkeeper England have ever had? Join the debate in the comments section.
Mary Earps' shirts are selling for more than double Nike's price on eBay (eBay)"More are coming before the end of the year and in more sizes (kids & adults) - so stay tuned! Thank you all for your incredible support on this. You guys have made this happen!"
She's also been at the centre of a hot topic for her club, with reports surrounding her future at United exploding during the final days of the summer transfer window. Having entered the final year of her contract, Arsenal made a world-record offer for a women's goalkeeper in a bid to force United's hand, but it was firmly rejected.
Marc Skinner's side brought in American goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce to prepare for Earps' potential departure but maintain that they intend to tie her down to a new deal.