The Women’s Football Transfer Market Heats Up: Analysing the Biggest Deals
Following a summer of significant transfers in 2024, which saw prominent players like Mary Earps, Vivianne Miedema, and Lucy Bronze making high-profile moves, the women’s game is gearing up for even more noteworthy switches in 2025. Many anticipated this, especially with players such as Chloe Kelly, Korbin Albert, and Olga Carmona becoming free agents, while Jule Brand, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, and Jill Roord completed eye-catching transfers early in the window.
Several transfers have been widely reported for some time, including Laia Aleixandri’s move to Barcelona, Ingrid Engen’s to Lyon, and Sara Dabritz’s to Real Madrid. Fans were primarily waiting for the official confirmation rather than questioning if these deals would materialise. However, as is typical, there have been some unexpected twists and turns, adding intrigue to the upcoming months.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most significant transfers and an assessment of how each party involved has fared:
Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona to Manchester United)
-
For Barcelona: It has been a challenging summer for Barcelona’s women’s team supporters, as the men’s side’s financial difficulties appear to be impacting them. Barcelona Femeni had thrived despite the issues of their male counterparts, with other sections of the club being affected to meet financial regulations. This summer, however, the focus has shifted, with fans expressing concern over the number of departures allowed to reduce the wage bill. While Rolfo’s final season at Barca might not have been her best, her quality and experience will be sorely missed.
- Grade: F
-
For Manchester United: This is precisely the type of signing Manchester United needs to make to compete for major honours in England and solidify their position in the women’s game. The Red Devils have made progress in recent years, securing Champions League qualification spots and winning their first major title, the FA Cup. To take the next step and challenge Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the domestic game, they must continue to strengthen their squad. Rolfo brings a wealth of winning experience and exceptional quality that can decide crucial matches.
- Grade: A+
-
For Rolfo: While not a slight on Manchester United, this move may be seen as a slight step back for Rolfo, leaving a Barcelona team that has consistently reached the Champions League final. She is unlikely to accumulate trophies at her new club as frequently as she did in Catalunya and previously with Wolfsburg. However, she will be a prominent figure and a high-profile name in the squad, bearing significant responsibility as a match-winner and leader. Despite the change in pace, she is excited about the challenge and believes United are close to achieving success.
- Grade: B-
Olivia Smith (Liverpool to Arsenal)
-
For Liverpool: Having signed Smith just last summer, Liverpool would have hoped for more than a single season. However, it’s challenging to conceal such talent, especially from the team that experienced her skill in the FA Cup. The substantial fee received for the Canada international mitigates the blow, provided the funds are used wisely to replace her in attack and improve other areas of the squad. For now, it’s a good business move despite the significant loss.
- Grade: C+
-
For Arsenal: Some expected the first million-pound player to be a household name with a proven track record. Smith isn’t quite there yet. Arsenal is investing in potential, which the 20-year-old has in abundance. It is crucial that the coaching staff take the right approach to her development to ensure she becomes a success story. Her talent and application are undeniable, but the bumper fee introduces a degree of risk.
- Grade: B
-
For Smith: After just one season at Liverpool, Smith appeared ready for another step forward. Arsenal feels like the right progression. There’s sufficient space in the squad for her to gain significant game time, but it’s still an elite club. It will be interesting to see how she handles the pressure of the transfer fee and the step up, but her reputation suggests she is well-equipped for the challenge.
- Grade: A
Mia Fishel (Chelsea to Seattle Reign)
-
For Chelsea: This move never quite worked out. Fishel showed promise after arriving as Sam Kerr’s backup in 2023, but an ACL injury set her back. With Kerr suffering a similar injury, Chelsea strengthened their striker options, pushing Fishel down the pecking order. The move benefits all parties, and Chelsea recouping some of the initial investment helps improve their grade.
- Grade: C
-
For Seattle Reign: This is a smart move for Seattle, who need to improve their scoring record. Fishel, despite lacking NWSL experience, can help in that regard.
- Grade: B
-
For Fishel: Despite the temptation to stay at Chelsea, leaving made sense for Fishel. Consistent game time is essential, especially if she wants to push for minutes at the international level. She has the potential to be a star in Seattle.
- Grade: B
Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich to Manchester City)
-
For Bayern Munich: Lohmann’s time at Bayern Munich has been inconsistent. Injuries and competition for places have hindered her impact. While Bayern are losing a talented player, her limited on-pitch contributions in recent years minimise the impact.
- Grade: C
-
For Manchester City: If Lohmann stays fit, she could be what City need after Jill Roord’s departure. She is a fantastic passer, mover, and worker, capable of impacting play both in and out of possession. She bolsters a midfield that needs help and brings winning experience.
- Grade: B
-
For Lohmann: Leaving Bayern Munich was not an easy decision, but a new environment and challenge might be what she needs to kick-start her career. A new league and style of football can help improve her game.
- Grade: B
Ellie Roebuck (Barcelona to Aston Villa)
-
For Barcelona: This move carried little risk or expectation for Barca. Roebuck was unable to establish herself on the team, leading to the termination of her contract. It didn’t negatively impact Barca, and it made sense for both to move on.
- Grade: C
-
For Aston Villa: If Roebuck can play regularly, this is a spectacular signing for Villa. If she can regain her top form, Villa could have one of the best goalkeepers in the division. It’s a deal worth doing on a free transfer.
- Grade: B
-
For Roebuck: After training with one of the world’s best teams, this move requires Roebuck to perform in games weekly. Villa feels like a good place to move forward. It’s a club with less pressure, and Roebuck has every reason to return to the national team picture.
- Grade: B
Lily Yohannes (Ajax to Lyon)
-
For Ajax: After losing Isa Kardinaal, Ajax have been dealt another blow with Yohannes’ exit. The departures aren’t huge shocks, and both players commanded a transfer fee. However, it’s tough to lose two key players at once for a club aiming to challenge for dominance in the Netherlands and gain European exposure.
- Grade: C
-
For Lyon: This is a real coup for Lyon. They are restocking their midfield with an eye on both the present and the future. Yohannes is still raw at 18, but she has shown the potential to reach the top of the game.
- Grade: A
-
For Yohannes: In Lyon, Yohannes joins a club that will focus on her development while giving her the opportunity to experience the top levels of the game.
- Grade: A
Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain to Lyon)
-
For PSG: PSG have lost another key player to Lyon, hindering their chances of challenging for the top spot in French women’s football.
- Grade: D
-
For Lyon: This is a slightly surprising move, but Albert arrives on a free transfer. Lyon has a good track record of developing young players.
- Grade: B-
-
For Albert: This is a huge move for Albert, who will be representing the most successful club in Women’s Champions League history.
- Grade: A
Ellie Carpenter (Lyon to Chelsea)
-
For Lyon: Losing Carpenter is a real blow, softened by the arrival of Ashley Lawrence.
- Grade: C+
-
For Chelsea: Carpenter’s arrival upgrades the right-back position. This feels like a statement signing in Chelsea’s pursuit of the Champions League title.
- Grade: A
-
For Carpenter: This move represents an exciting new challenge for Carpenter. She will be exposed to a more competitive domestic league.
- Grade: A
Chloe Kelly (Manchester City to Arsenal)
-
For Manchester City: It’s a shame how things unfolded between Kelly and City. The club’s loss is Arsenal’s gain.
- Grade: F
-
For Arsenal: This deal was a no-brainer for Arsenal. Kelly fits seamlessly into the team.
- Grade: A
-
For Kelly: Staying with Arsenal made perfect sense for Kelly.
- Grade: A
Danielle van de Donk (Lyon to London City Lionesses)
-
For Lyon: Van de Donk’s departure feels timely for both parties.
- Grade: C
-
For London City Lionesses: This is a coup for the newly-promoted WSL side.
- Grade: A
-
For Van de Donk: This looks like a step back, but London City has ambitions of much more than avoiding relegation.
- Grade: B
Ingrid Engen (Barcelona to Lyon)
-
For Barcelona: Engen’s departure is still significant for the Spanish champions.
- Grade: D
-
For Lyon: Lyon needed to reinforce the centre-back position, and Engen brings a ton of experience.
- Grade: A
-
For Engen: This feels like a fantastic transfer for a player who deserves to be an important starter for an elite side.
- Grade: A
Sara Dabritz (Lyon to Real Madrid)
-
For Lyon: Things just didn’t quite work out for Lyon and Dabritz.
- Grade: C
-
For Real Madrid: The arrival of Dabritz fills a necessary gap in midfield for Madrid.
- Grade: B
-
For Dabritz: Dabritz secures a move to a Real Madrid side in a slightly lower tier.
- Grade: C
Olga Carmona (Real Madrid to Paris Saint-Germain)
-
For Real Madrid: Losing Carmona is surely the most impactful of all the exits.
- Grade: F
-
For PSG: Carmona adds depth, experience, and potency to the attack.
- Grade: A
-
For Carmona: Carmona moves to another disappointing project at PSG.
- Grade: C
Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City to Barcelona)
-
For Man City: Aleixandri’s departure is a blow for City.
- Grade: D
-
For Barcelona: Bringing in Aleixandri on a free is superb business.
- Grade: B+
-
For Aleixandri: Returning to the club of her childhood will be a personal triumph.
- Grade: A
Mara Alber (Hoffenheim to Chelsea)
-
For Hoffenheim: Hoffenheim have picked up a substantial fee from Chelsea in this deal.
- Grade: B+
-
For Chelsea: This is another example of Chelsea’s emphasis on scouting and recruiting young talent.
- Grade: A
-
For Alber: Alber looks to have made a fantastic decision by joining a Chelsea project that emphasises the development of young players.
- Grade: A
Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris Saint-Germain to Lyon)
-
For PSG: Losing Katoto on a free will be frustrating for the Parisians.
- Grade: F
-
For Lyon: Picking up an elite scorer on a free transfer is a fantastic piece of business.
- Grade: A
-
For Katoto: This move should allow Katoto to win trophies regularly.
- Grade: A
Jill Roord (Manchester City to Twente)
-
For Man City: This transfer was a huge blow for the English side.
- Grade: F
-
For Twente: This is a coup.
- Grade: A+
-
For Roord: Returning home and to play for the club of her heart makes perfect sense.
- Grade: B
Jule Brand (Wolfsburg to Lyon)
-
For Wolfsburg: It isn’t a huge blow for the German giants for her to leave.
- Grade: C
-
For Lyon: There is reason to believe that Lyon can be the club that helps Brand take that next step.
- Grade: B
-
For Brand: The history both Lyon and their new coach have when it comes to developing young talent bodes well for Brand.
- Grade: B
Sveindis Jonsdottir (Wolfsburg to Angel City)
-
For Wolfsburg: Wolfsburg are seemingly going for a full reset this summer.
- Grade: C
-
For Angel City: There is a lot for Angel City fans to be excited about when it comes to this transfer.
- Grade: B
-
For Jonsdottir: This might be the move Jonsdottir needs to really progress in her career.
- Grade: B
Vanessa Gilles (Angel City to Bayern Munich)
-
For Angel City: This move just didn’t quite work out for Angel City.
- Grade: B
-
For Bayern Munich: This is a great pick up for the German champions which should increase the competition at centre-back significantly.
- Grade: B
-
For Gilles: She should be an important player for a great club and gets to experience a new environment while remaining at the highest level.
- Grade: B