Sep 13, 2024, 10:40 AM ET
Transfer records were broken across the women’s game in 2023-24 as the Women’s Super League (WSL) saw 226 transfers — a higher level of activity than each of the previous three seasons, according to Deloitte.
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There were some pretty big deals as well, as Mayra Ramirez’s €450,000 January move to Chelsea from Levante broke the women’s transfer world record, before NWSL side Bay FC paid Madrid CFF €735,000 to bring in Racheal Kundananji in February.
Kundananji’s move came after a January transfer window that had seen international spending in the women’s game reach an all-time high, according to FIFA, with clubs around the world collectively trading approximately €1.96m in transfer fees — which roughly equates to a 150% rise from the winter of 2023.
So will that continue? Here are grades for all the major confirmed transfers in the women’s game, with each listed in order of date and then highest fee.
All fees are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.
Sept. 13
Gabi Nunes
Undisclosed
Levante: C
Aston Villa: B+
It’s been a busy summer for Aston Villa but they have been taking shape under new manager Robert de Pauw. The only concern has been the squad suddenly getting a little top heavy. But Nunes will add another dimension and a certain je ne sais quoi to the attack, as the Brazil international can make things happen around her.
It’s been more a case of shut your eyes and jam your fingers in your ears than “look away now” for Levante fans this summer as their team has been all but dismantled. Indeed, it was Nunes who stepped up last season when Mayra Ramírez left for Chelsea and now Nunes joins Antônia, Nataša Andonova, Leire Baños, Silvia Lloris, María Méndez, Nuria Mendoza, Alba Redondo and María Valenzuela in leaving the Valencian club this summer.
Although Nunes’ departure has brought much needed revenue to the club, with Aston Villa reportedly triggering her €300k release clause, there is no question that Levante have been decimated. — SL
Sept. 4
Celin Bizet
Undisclosed
Tottenham: B-
Man Utd: B
Transfer fees have skyrocketed since Bizet joined Spurs in 2022, making her reported £60,000 release clause seem dreadfully low for a 22-year-old attacker with huge potential. But Spurs will at least be glad to get something back on their return. The Norway international was one of the stars of Robert Vilahamn’s team last season and she showed her ability under the Swede — something she had struggled to do under her previous three managers. Spurs will certainly feel her loss.
United have already added Melvine Malard (after a loan) and Elisabeth Terland (from Brighton) to their forward line, and Bizet should give coach Marc Skinner more options in rotation to help United push for a title challenge. The question over Bizet — as we’ve seen going back to her time at Valerenga — is whether she can stay consistent and make the most of her potential. — SL
Sept. 1
Hayley Raso
Free
Real Madrid: B
Tottenham: B+
Signed on a free; left on a free. Raso’s move to Real Madrid could fall into the “nothing ventured, nothing gained” category, but similar to the Australian’s time at Manchester City, opportunities for starts were limited in the Spanish capital.
It’s been years since fans outside of Australia saw Raso at her best — the 2017 NWSL season with the Portland Thorns — but it’s been clear that she just needs a solid run in a club team in a fixed position. With Celin Bizet’s exit, Raso should be able to immediately fill the hole the Norwegian will leave, and her tenacity up and down the flank should be perfect for coach Robert Vilahamn. — SL
Aug 31.
Rosella Ayane
Loan
Tottenham: B
Chicago Red Stars: B
When Ayane first joined Spurs in 2019, the move was beneficial for both club and player, and although she wasn’t banging goals in for fun at Spurs, her impact on the attack was clear. But the side have gone through several upheavals since and the attacker’s time on the pitch been cut down. With one year left on her deal, a short spell in the NWSL could be key to revitalising her domestic career.
It’s clear that Mal Swanson is doing most of the heavy lifting at the Red Stars and, for both the team and the U.S. international, more depth around her (especially on the break) is key. Although the Red Stars have a few options in attack, Ayane’s experience will help them, and the short-term deal for the Morocco international is all about keeping the team in the playoff positions.
Aug. 19
Naomi Layzell
Undisclosed
Bristol City: B
Manchester City: A
Part of a Bristol City backline that came under heavy pressure last season, Layzell impressed for the Robins as one of the more consistent players in an injury-hit squad. Following their relegation back to the Championship, it was unlikely they were going to be able to keep her.
Back in Europe and needing more squad depth, City have been swift to pick out key players to augment what was a thin squad. Much like over the winter, when City brought in Laura Blindkilde Brown, Poppy Pritchard and Tara O’Hanlon, there’s a focus on younger players that have potential and room to develop. Having impressed in the WSL last season, Layzell has already staked her case for inclusion in future starting XIs. — SL
Aug. 16
Clare Hunt
Undisclosed
PSG: C+
Spurs: A
PSG’s recruitment strategy is a bit of a mystery. Fresh off a strong World Cup with Australia, Hunt could have been a strong investment for the future, but she has quickly been discarded for Eva Gaetino and Griedge Mbock, who will be a talented pairing until PSG’s next flight of fancy.
There is a logic to Spurs’ dealings under Robert Vilahamn, and although Hunt had a palpable dip in form last season, she should be the missing piece to their defensive puzzle. — SL
Aug. 13
Rosa Kafaji
Undisclosed
Häcken: A
Arsenal: B+
There will be no more predictable move this summer than Arsenal bringing in a tall, strong attacking player from Sweden. Kafaji certainly fits the mould that manager Jonas Eidevall likes and has impressed for her exploits with Häcken. At 21, she is young and has tons of potential, so her signing is a solid investment in the future.
Signed during Robert Vilahamn’s short tenure with Häcken, Kafaji’s goals helped the club stun everyone in the Champions League during a run to the quarterfinals last season. But despite picking up a transfer fee, the former Swedish champions will need to be proactive in finding a replacement as the migration of the Damallsvenskan’s top talent to the WSL is getting serious. — SL
Aug. 9
Ayaka Yamashita
Free
INAC Kobe: B+
Manchester City: B
Japan’s No. 1 is well known to fans at home for her time with Tokyo Verdy and more recently, INAC Kobe. A free agent since June, Yamashita will push Khiara Keating for the City starting spot and there is little risk for the WSL title-challengers as she brings reliability and experience in droves to Manchester.
A permanent fixture in the Kobe team since her move ahead of the inaugural WE League season in 2021, Yamashita has been consistent presence, but her move to England is the latest in a long line of Japan internationals opting for something different and leaving the newly created professional league behind. — SL
Aug. 2
Tokyo Verdy Beleza: B
Manchester City: A
After becoming one of the revelations of the 2023 World Cup, it was no surprise that top clubs in the WSL were interested in the 20-year-old. Tokyo Verdy Beleza were unable to hold on to one of their most valuable players. Due to the increasing competition of leagues across the world, the WE league is still relatively behind, meaning they were unable to compete to retain her signature once Manchester City came knocking.
Fujino, who netted a brilliant free kick against Spain in the Olympics, is an exciting pick for City. A young talent who is already heavily integrated into the national team, she had several positive spells in her native Japan attracting City’s eye. If Fujino is anything like her compatriot Maika Hamano, who signed for Chelsea 18 months ago, she will take to the WSL with ease, with a potential loan option to a lower-league club, allowing for vital minutes and experience, making her an exciting future prospect for the team. — EK
Aoba Fujino scored 33 goals in 66 appearances for Tokyo Verdy Beleza before joining Manchester City. Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
BK Häcken: B+
Manchester United: A-
Unfortunately for BK Häcken, the Damallsvenskan is still seen as a feeder division for the more advanced European leagues. After two seasons in Sweden, the natural progression for a player as talented as Sandberg is to move to a more competitive competition, so the transfer should not be a surprise. While Häcken are losing one of their most promising and key figures at the back, the reported £200,000 fee the side will receive for the 21-year-old will make a big difference. It will likely allow them to bring in a replacement on a longer-term deal to try and push past the group stage in the Champions League.
This signing is a key move for United, who are looking to rebuild this summer. Sandberg is still young, so she should be able to adapt to Marc Skinner’s style of play, but she brings experience, intelligence and confidence that will heighten the side ahead of a tough campaign. A three-year deal plus the option for a further year is also promising, given United’s rocky history negotiating deals. If Skinner gives her consistent minutes, she will be an exceptional addition to United. — SL
Arsenal: D
Atlético Madrid: A
Signed for a reported €40,000, it’s hard not to view Gio’s initial move to Arsenal as anything but a waste of money. The idea from the Gunners is always about developing the player further through loans, but missing the window at the start of last season, the attacker was left to twiddle her thumbs for half a year, unregistered in the league. There is no question the talent is there, and she could have been a good player for Arsenal, but her time in North London was entirely forgettable.
A player who spent three years in Atleti’s academy, there is something of coming full circle for Gio. Unable to show her worth in the WSL, a half-season loan at Madrid CFF last season showed that 21-year-old has not lost her ability to impact games and score crucial goals, so a permanent move back to Spain should bring out the best of her football. For Atleti, who’ve had a window of high player turnover, Gio will be a key addition. — SL
July 31
Aston Villa: C-
Arsenal: A
Despite being only 24, Daphne van Domselaar has become one of the most prominent and sought-after goalkeepers around. She was a major signing for Aston Villa last summer, but after a tricky campaign they were unable to keep her. Arsenal paid her hefty release clause, showing the financial disparity between the clubs. It is a tough loss for Villa who were beginning to capitalise on their growth from two seasons ago and have now lost one of their key players.
Arsenal were in need of a confident keeper after Sabrina D’Angelo left the club and Manuela Zinsberger struggled over the last two seasons. It is a big signing for the Gunners who are aiming to break their WSL title drought. With a star-studded defence in front of her, Van Domselaar will be in with a chance of proving exactly what she can do. Arsenal have also come under fire for signing older players, so this signing at least partly dispels the argument that the club are not planning for the future. — EK
July 28
Chelsea: B-
Gotham FC: A
Jess Carter’s exit from Chelsea is a big loss to the Blues. As the team begin a transition under new manager Sonia Bompastor, the loss of such a stalwart defender leaves a large gap. Chelsea invested considerable time and effort into turning Carter into a first-choice versatile defender, so losing her to Gotham FC, although gaining a fee, feels like poor business.
With the introduction of Lucy Bronze and several other top-choice defenders in the side, there is an argument that Carter may not have such a large role next season. That being said, she often was the first-choice left-back or centre-back.
The move was likely to happen given her fiancé Ann-Katrin Berger’s move to Gotham in April and The Bats are gaining a talented defender and a seasoned professional. Carter joins a stacked squad boasting tons of USWNT talent. There is no one better suited to guiding Gotham to back-to-back championship wins than someone who has won five titles in a row. — EK
July 24
Lyon: C
San Diego Wave: A
France international Delphine Cascarino will become the newest European addition to the NWSL, joining the Wave after the conclusion of the Olympics. For Lyon, the move will be disappointing. The six-time Champions League winner has been one of the French champions’ best attacking threats, and despite losing the Champions League final last term, the 27-year-old was instrumental to the side’s campaign. With coach Sonia Bompastor’s departure to Chelsea, though, it is not surprising that Cascarino has also opted for a move away from the team that has been her home for nine years.
San Diego Wave need a ruthless goal-scorer and some optimism after manager Casey Stoney’s departure. Cascarino is a talented finisher and hasthe ability to set up goals as well as score them. The move brings in a clinical attacker but also heightens the spotlight on the side that sits in 10th. Cascarino’s success will hinge on whether the team can remain unaffected by the turbulence off pitch. — EK
July 17
Barcelona: B
Chelsea: C+
It’s clear, with the recent raft of transfers Chelsea have made, we’ve entered the Sonia Bompastor era. It make sense for the incoming coach to bring in a player she knows from her time at Lyon — although Bronze left France before Bompastor took over the head coach role at OL — yet there is a real question of whether Chelsea need another right-back. A five-time Champions League winner from spells with Lyon and Barcelona, the hope for Chelsea is Bronze can help finally deliver that elusive European crown. But the Blues are getting the defender later in her career, after she’s already started to lose a touch of pace and sparkle, raising the argument that Chelsea could have been better investing their cash elsewhere.
A player who came to them with experience, Bronze ticked the boxes for Barcelona and although she wasn’t always at her best in Spain, the England defender produced several vital moments of magic for the Catalans en route to silverware. — EK
Brighton & Hove Albion: A
Manchester United: B+
Still looking for a consistent goal threat, especially since losing Lucía García this summer, Manchester United haven’t had to look far to look for their newest attacker. Proven in the WSL, even with limited service, Norway international Terland has just turned 23, so still has her best years ahead of her. She will keep developing in England, making her the perfect signing for the Red Devils as they try to reclose the gap on those at the top.
Signed from Brann as a relative unknown outside of Norway, Terland had an instant impact for Brighton and went on to score 23 goals in 50 games for the Seagulls. During two turbulent years, the attacker provided a consistent goal threat and will likely go down as one of their most shrewd investments. — EK
July 7
Aston Villa: C
Juventus: B
For as much as Lehmann’s move to Juventus should be about football, the noise around her transfer has been about her relationship with Douglas Luiz, who made the move to Turin last week. Never quite having the same spark she showed as a teen, Serie A could yet help Lehmann rediscover her better form. but how she’ll gel with her new team will be a work in progress.
Signed from West Ham after a middling loan at Everton, Lehmann has some strong moments in claret and blue, but she all too often fell into the trap of inconsistency and overthinking on the ball. With two years left on her deal, Villa have at least recouped a sum they can reinvest as the team finds its footing under new boss Robert de Pauw. — Sophie Lawson
Paris Saint-Germain: B-
Chelsea: B
On paper, Chelsea didn’t need any more attackers, but signing Baltimore is less about the individual signing and more about the new [Sonia] Bompastor era at the Blues as the French manager continues to put her spin on the squad. Baltimore was a player who turned heads and earned plenty of praise when she first broke onto the senior stage, only for turmoil at PSG to dampen her impact and growth. It would be no surprise, then, to see Baltimore hit the ground running under Bompastor.
A Parisien through and through, Baltimore leaves PSG almost a decade after joining the academy, having made over 200 appearances in red and blue. Once again, PSG are in a transitional stage and losing a young player — especially on a free transfer — will sting the club and although most of the other seven players who’ve already left only played bit parts, Baltimore was a regular starter. — SL
July 5
Arsenal: C
Man City: A+
Despite Miedema detailing that it was a mutual decision for her and Arsenal to part ways after seven seasons, losing the WSL’s all-time top goal scorer on a free transfer to their direct rivals is not great business from the Gunners. It may allows the team to introduce another attacker who fits Jonas Eidevall’s style of play but though she has not played much football over the past two seasons due to an ACL injury, once she is fully fit Arsenal may regret letting her go.
For City, it is a monumental grab. Adding the league’s best finisher to a squad that already boasts immense talent and skill is quite a statement. City came agonisingly close to their first WSL title since 2016 last season, and with Miedema added to the likes of Lauren Hemp and Bunny Shaw, City will be challenging for the title next season. They are gaining an exceptional striker and a world-class attacking midfielder, making their depth for next season look seriously scary. — EK
July 4
Chelsea: B
Brighton: A
It will feel unnatural to see Fran Kirby in any club shirt other than a Chelsea one, given she was with the club for almost a decade. With coach Emma Hayes’ departure at the end of last season, the timing seemed right for Kirby to go where playing time may be more frequent away from the competition and pressures of a stacked Chelsea squad. Having struggled with injuries in recent years, the move allows for Chelsea to bring in younger players in her place evidenced by Sonia Bompastor’s three young editions so far. The lack of continental football may also help the 31-year-old stay fitter for longer periods of time.
For Kirby, the move to Brighton allows her to stay close to home and remain in the WSL which was her preference. She also hopes it will keep her in contention for England as a move to the Championship or NWSL may have put her chances of making the Euro 2025 squad at risk. The lack of continental football may also help the 31-year-old stay fitter for longer periods of time. Brighton are in a period of rebuilding and are now under the control of their fifth manager in two years. Having already added several signings to the fold, Kirby brings experience and intelligence that will be needed as they aim to finish higher up the table than their last two campaigns. Although she will only be impactful to the team if she can remain fit. — EK
July 3
Chelsea: B+
Real Madrid: B+
Signed on a free back in 2020, Leupolz’s time with Chelsea wasn’t all smooth sailing from COVID 19-impacted seasons to pregnancy and niggling injuries, yet when she played well, she played very well. Indeed, last season she made a big impact as Chelsea grappled their way through an arduous season. It felt like she would have more of impact this season but Chelsea will at least be glad to receive a fee for the transfer.
After a raft of departures, Real Madrid have been swift to plug the holes and, although not necessarily a flashy signing, Leupolz brings key experience from her time in both the Frauen-Bundesliga and WSL. Having shown good form over the course of last season, the Germany midfielder is primed to hit the ground running in Spain as Real continue to try to solidify their own identity. — SL
Lyon: B
Paris Saint-Germain: A
Mbock was reportedly close to signing a new deal before a U-turn, so Lyon might still be scratching their heads as to what happened. But there can be no question of how important Mbock was to the team since her 2015 move from Guingamp. She will be remembered fondly at Lyon, even though she’s gone to their nearest rivals.
Having seen so many of their key players depart for Lyon over the years, PSG have pulled off a coup. More than just a mini-victory over their rivals, PSG have secured the services of one of the best centre-backs in the world, who after a few years blighted by injury, finally looked to be getting back to her best last season. — EK
July 2
Sporting CP: C-
Liverpool: A+
At 19, Smith is regarded as one of the best talents coming through the Canada setup, and her potential is sky-high. She made her World Cup debut at 18 and some months later featured in the W Gold Cup, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award. This was regarded as her breakout moment on the international stage, but Smith just missed out on a place in Bev Preistmen’s 18-player squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Still, having only joined Sporting in 2023 on a three-year deal, Liverpool’s decision to pay a reported club-record fee to sign her is a big call. Voted Sporting’s Player of the Season for netting 13 goals in 18 appearances, Smith was key for the side fell two points short of the title to Benfica. But though Sporting would have struggled to hold on to the Canada international for long, given the economic deficits facing the club, losing such a vital player will leave a gaping hole.
Liverpool have completed a marquee signing that will only help the progress they made last season when the club finished fourth. Smith was reportedly Liverpool’s primary target this window and will give them a major boost — EK.
Wuhan Jianghan University: C+
Olympique Lyonnais: A+
Wuhan signed Chawinga when Jiangsu Suning (as they once were) pulled their funding of the women’s team. But, other than a brief spell in 2021, Wuhan opted to send the Malawi attacker on back-to-back loans, suggesting a permanent move could be in the offing this summer.
Often rumoured with a move for Chawinga, Les Fenottes finally got their woman and signed her to a three-year deal. Having spent the last season on loan at PSG, Chawinga is a well-known quantity in France, as well as Lyon — her last action as a PSG player was scoring a goal at the Parc OL against them. But at a time of transition for Lyon — with their European crown having slipped and manager Sonia Bompastor having left — Chawinga is a statement signing who will add yet more goals to Lyon’s already robust attack. It should remind the rest of Europe that they remain ones to beat. — SL.
Levante: C
Real Madrid: A
It’s going to be a tough summer for Levante, as the team have already lost key players from both attack and defence, while the financial woes of the club are well known. It’s a big blow to lose Redondo too, as she broke through as a teenager and has rarely looked out of her depth. While her goals were vital, the team failed to kick on and make a larger impact domestically or in the Champions League during their best years.
With Real Madrid not always convincing in front of goal last season, Redondo’s move should be the instant solution for Las Blancas as they look to solidify and challenge in Europe as she is one of the best goal scorers in Spain. — SL
Wolfsburg: B
Man United: A-
Losing Janssen on a free transfer after the exits of Pajor and Oberdorf (see below) is not ideal; however, Wolfsburg certainly have the depth to make up for the defender’s exit. The side are heading into a transitional period, so being able to bring in a younger defender and offer them minutes helps to prepare for the future.
Janssen is 29 and a seasoned professional and accomplished winner. With Arsenal, she collected the League Cup, FA Cup and WSL title; at Wolfsburg she won the league twice and the Polka Cup three times. She is an impressive signing for a United side who have struggled to retain and attract players. But coach Skinner will need to learn how to rotate Janssen with his current favoured defenders in order to get the best out of her. Still, the signing fits United’s needs, especially given former captain Katie Zelem’s exit, and a leader with the mentality and experience of winning will be crucial as Skinner looks to rebuild. — EK.
July 1
VfL Wolfsburg: B
Barcelona: A
After a forgettable season, this summer is providing little respite for Wolfsburg and, although they landed €500,000, Pajor had been a key figure (much like Oberdorf) during her time in Lower Saxony and her goals (136 in 196 appearances) will be hard to replace.
Amid rising transfer fees, women’s football is starting to follow the pattern of the men’s game, with goal scorers usually the players who go for more. And even though Pajor’s reported release clause would have been barely thinkable a few years ago, Barcelona will feel they’ve got a good deal. A natural goal scorer who fulfils their greatest need, the Poland international comes in with key experience and will undoubtedly pay her transfer fee back in goals. — SL
VfL Wolfsburg: C
Bayern Munich: A+
Signed from SGS Essen four years ago, Oberdorf quickly became an intrinsic part of the Wolfsburg squad, established herself in the Germany national team and marked herself as one of the best players of her generation. Although although Wolfsburg have received a decent fee, losing Oberdorf to their biggest domestic rivals will take a long time to get over.
Oberdorf’s move to Bayern looks set to tip the scales in Germany firmly in favour of the Bavarians and they got her for an absolute steal. Although €450,000 is a huge fee in women’s football, the midfielder is 22 years old with a sky-high ceiling, so there is little question Bayern got a great deal by activating her release clause. — SL
Stade de Reims: B
West Ham United: B+
Szemik was a consistent force between the sticks for Reims, having locked down the starting spot last season, and played every minute of their league campaign. Although Reims made some money on the deal, there is concern they are more of a feeder club than a challenger.
In need of an experienced goalkeeper after parting ways with Mackenzie Arnold, West Ham have clearly done their scouting. Unlikely to be a transfer that sends shockwaves through the sport, the Hammers have nonetheless found themselves a very good shot-stopper and the Poland international will do well. — SL
Brann: B
VfL Wolfsburg: A
Wolfsburg’s history with young Norwegians is a little hit and miss, but as the club lean further into developing younger players, the move comes at just the right time for the 21-year-old midfielder — not least with a mini-rebuild required in Lower Saxony.
Having performed so well in the Champions League, it was natural that Brann were going to be fielding offers for some of their better players. And, although Kielland leaves a hole to be filled, the team will be glad to have recouped some money from the transfer. — SL
Real Madrid: C
Olympique Lyonnais: B+
Picking Svava up on a free means Lyon aren’t taking much a gamble on the 23-year-old Denmark international. But the defender has fallen off the radar a little bit and will need to try and get back her best. A change of location could be just the tonic.
Svava is the latest in a long line of signings who have failed to catch fire for Real Madrid. Although they didn’t have to break the bank when she signed from Wolfsburg, as she joined on a free, the sheer number of failed singings point to a wider issue at the club. — SL
Liverpool: B
AC Milan: B
The rebuild for Milan starts again. The have team muddled through their last few seasons and stability is needed, so Koivisto is a good place to start as she has shown consistency over her senior career and will strengthen both defence and offence.
Signed on a free from Brighton, Koivisto was quietly one of Liverpool’s best players over her two years on Merseyside, helping the team take their first crucial steps upon their return to the WSL and setting them up for a strong finish in their second season. Allowed to leave after the expiration of her contract this summer, the Finland international is one Liverpool are going to miss. — SL
Tottenham Hotspur: D
AC Milan: B
When Karczewska first signed for Spurs in 2022, then-head coach Rehanne Skinner spoke about how much the young Poland forward could add to the team. But, after a first season disrupted by injury and a second spent on loan in the Frauen-Bundesliga, the attacker has left without much fuss.
She joins a Milan side that aren’t short of attacking options, but few of her new teammates have scored at any kind of consistent rate. A reliable forward was high up the list of needs for Milan this summer and, having scored consistently over spells in France and Germany (as well as her native Poland), the attacker should have little problem settling in in Serie A. In fact, Karczewska is likely to go down as one of the savvier signings of the summer. — SL
play
2:28
Why Manchester United will struggle to replace their four departing stars
Emily Keogh explains why Manchester United are heading for a tough summer as they prepare for the new WSL season.
Manchester United: C
PSG: A
Earps’ decision over her future was always destined to be a high-profile topic of discussion. Last summer, WSL rivals Arsenal were prepared to pay a world-record fee to sign the 31-year-old England goalkeeper, but United refused to let her go. Now, as Alessia Russo did last summer, Earps has left on a free transfer.
United boss Marc Skinner not only loses a crucial player but also one who could have landed the biggest transfer fee, especially after her rise to fame following the Euros and World Cup. If she had stayed with United, it would have suggested the club’s internal issues were not as severe as they seemed. However, her departure only underscores the club’s struggle to retain key players now.
For PSG, Earps represents an incredible acquisition, especially on a free transfer. It also keeps Earps in Europe, meaning she is able to compete to retain her starting spot for England. Wanting to play in the Champions League and win silverware was a driving force for the goalkeeper, making it a mutually beneficial transfer. — EK
Barcelona: B-
Arsenal: A-
Mariona won it all with Barcelona: six Liga F titles, three Women’s Champions Leagues, six Spanish Cups, four Spanish Super Cups and six Catalan Cups. Oh, and a World Cup with Spain. At 28, after 302 appearances and 114 goals, a move away from Barcelona makes sense given she was with the club for a decade.
Arsenal are getting a proven winner who knows what it takes to be the best on both the domestic and international stage. Mariona would have had the pick of clubs but choosing Arsenal is a testament to their determination to win the WSL. Having bid farewell to Vivianne Miedema, Arsenal were in need of a goal scorer and now their forwards are all between 28-30 years old. Nonetheless, it is a great signing for the Gunners and a big loss for Barcelona. — EK
Manchester City: B
Real Madrid: A-
Having spent three years with City, it was not a big surprise that the Sweden international chose to make a change. While she has been a key player for manager Gareth Taylor, Angeldahl was not getting the game time she wanted, often dropping to the bench, so naturally when her contract expired, a move was on the cards.
The transfer frees up space for City to bring in another midfielder who better fits Taylor’s playing style, but it is a signing weighted towards the benefit of Real Madrid, who have already announced the departures of seven key players. — EK
Manchester City: B
Barcelona: B
Part of the Man City setup since 2015, Roebuck stepped up for the first team when needed in 2018, playing a vital role for for five years until falling out of favour last season. Now surplus to requirements, her contract was allowed to run down and saw her make a free transfer to Liga F.
Barcelona have taken a bit of a gamble on Roebuck, with the England goalkeeper not having featured since the 2022-23 season. She is likely to be an understudy to first-choice Cata Coll, but comes in with a point to prove and a hunger to impress. — SL
Juventus: B
Wolfsburg: A-
Having filled a role for Juventus during her time in Italy, Beerensteyn’s time in Serie A had naturally run its course and, having been signed on a free transfer, she left on one too.
It’s set to be a summer of change for Wolfsburg. With a number of younger players on their books, trying to replace the likes of Pajor and Overdorf is tough, so bringing in experienced attacker Beerensteyn is a step in the right direction. The Netherlands international already has experience of the Frauen-Bundesliga after five years at Bayern Munich. — SL
AC Milan: B-
London City Lionesses: A
At 34, Asllani’s best days are no longer in front of her, but she can still impact games and brings a wealth of experience. For the Lionesses, the Sweden international is a statement signing and one that will help guide the team through the start of their new era. It was designed to get people talking and, on that score, she is already having the desired effect.
An important player in her first season with Milan, Asllani’s impact waned over her second season, reflecting the general struggles of the team. Letting her go at the end of her contract was best for both parties. — SL
