Tag: Transfer Window

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WSL

London City Lionesses level up.

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Photo from @alexiaputellas and @londoncitylionesses on Instagram. 

London City Lionesses have not been shying away from this transfer window as owner Michelle Kang has not been afraid of bold moves across the field.  Headlines ranging from Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas to Mary Earps reinforcing consistency in front of the goal, the Lionesses’ new team have become a force to be reckoned with in the WSL. 

Starting at the back of the pitch, former England goalkeeper Mary Earps returns to the WSL after two seasons away at PSG. Joining Elene Lete by the goalposts, Earps brings with her a wide range of experience and solidity having played in the WSL at Manchester United from 2019-2024. Consistency has always been at the forefront of the 33-year old’s game as Earps played a key role in England’s 2022 Euros win. She will be taking the place of 23-year-old Emily Orman who has gone on a loan to newly promoted WSL 2 side Wolves. This was a promising move for the young keeper as she won the golden glove during the 2024/25 season with London City. Orman’s loan will serve vital for her development as a player, and she will inevitably be a safe wall for Wolves. 

As four defenders left, two more joined. Maria León comes from Liga F where she has won title after title with FC Barcelona including 4 Champions League titles as Mapi was the heart of Barcelona’s defence being a reliable name in every line-up. Joining her is Utah Royals’ Janni Thomsen. The 26-year-old from Denmark is a versatile player who is open to playing wherever she is needed, often covering the right-back role, and even central midfield. Thomsen’s signing will not only add security between the positions but will also provide a strong player for years to come having also played for Vålerenga in Norway bringing in a multi-league understanding. 

The departures from defence come from Wassa Sangaré, Cerys Brown, Maddi Wilde and Teyah Goldie. Sangaré’s contract ended after her loan spell from OL Lyonnes as she made 22 appearances in the 2025/26 season. Youngster Cerys Brown joined Nottingham Forest on a two-year deal after a successful loan spell in the second half of last season, where she played every match available. Brown developed in Chelsea’s academy and now will work with Forest on their return to BWSL2.  

Maddi Wilde is yet another name we are seeing leave as she has penned a deal with Burnley as they are undergoing a large squad re-vamp having 13 players leave, and 10 take their place. Wilde has undergone two BWSL2 wins and promotions to the WSL, once with Bristol City in 2022/23 and then with London City Lionesses in 2024/25. The final defender to leave is for now only temporary, as Teyah Goldie has joined Crystal Palace on loan, who have just rejoined the WSL after a season in BWSL2. Goldie has not only played for club, but also her country, as the 22-year-old is a regular at England’s Under-23 camps.  

Alexia Putellas’ name is consistently in headlines, being a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and widely regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. The new headlines revolve around Alexia’s exit from FC Barcelona where she has played for the majority of her professional career. Having only ever played in Spain, Alexia will face a new challenge of making history at yet another club. This signing will also bring security to the pitch as she has also played with defenders Jana Fernández and Mapi León. 

Another midfield signing is fellow Spaniard Daniela Arques, who has joined the squad from Portugal’s Sporting. Arques is a dynamic midfielder who has been known for her creativity as she has also represented Spain internationally at youth levels, being only 20, Arques’ signing is a great investment for London City. 

Leaving this midfield, Julia Roddar exits the club following the end of her contract after having played her part in 20 out of 22 games last season, as she also helped LCL get promoted to the league in 2024. Roddar now joins the Italian side Lazio. Katie Zelem remains in the WSL as she was sold to West Ham United. The former Manchester United captain has been a symbol of leadership across every team she’s been in, however with Putellas’ signing, the move to West Ham was likely for the best to get the most game time possible. 

Two exits and three entries were made in the attacking field, with Lotta Lindström from Finland struggling to make her mark in London, with a dreaded ACL tear at the beginning of the 2024/25 season. Lindström then struggled with her return, eventually joining Birmingham City for the latter half of the 2025/26 season, and decided to join Bristol City on a permanent transfer. Paula Partido has landed a loan deal with Charlton Athletic, after spending the first half of last season on a loan at Spain’s DUX Logroño, later returning to support London City in any way she could. Partido’s loan is only temporary for now, and if she shines at Charlton, she may manage to solidify her place in London City. 

Photo taken from @londoncitylionesses on Instagram

Joining the team come Kadidiatou Diani, Rosa Kafaji and Nicole Anyomi. Diani is renowned for her pace and attacking strength as she is a French national team regular, moving from Lyon with 20 goals in 29 appearances under her belt. Diani has been seen as a symbol of LCL owner Michelle Kang’s wealth as the club paid over £500,000 for the forward. Alongside her, Kafaji penned a three-year deal from Arsenal following her season-long loan at Brighton and Hove Albion. Kafaji attacks from anywhere on the front line as the Swede is a hopeful young player.  

Finally, Nicole Anyomi arrives from Germany, having played at Eintracht Frankfurt for five years. Anyomi’s signing shows London City’s attacking ambitions, she has expressed her desire for a fresh challenge in a dynamic league with a wide range of competition. 

 London City Lionesses will begin their WSL campaign at home against Manchester United. This inaugural match will set the tone for the rest of their season, with the public waiting to see the exciting debuts of each new signing.  

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WSL

Everton bolster their squad during the summer transfer window ahead of the 2026/27 season 

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photo taken from @evertonwomen on instragram

Everton have had a busy transfer window with people leaving, joining and retiring from football. Scott Phelan joined as a Permanent Head Coach after his interim role last campaign with Lucy Hope announcing that she was retiring from professional football at the end of last season. 

Five players triggered new deals with the club including two permanent deals for Zara Kramzar and Hannah Blundell, with both being on loan last season. Megan Finnigan penned a new deal until next year which puts a stay of 20 years with the toffees, with Aurora Galli adding a one year contract extension to her deal. After her ACL injury in January, Danish Forward Karen Holmgaard also added an extra year to her deal for this season. Out of all of these returnees, Zara Kramzar made a lasting first impression for the side with many of the others having injuries throughout last season. 

6 players were out of contract come the end of the season with all players now having a new club. Katja Snoeijs joined Ajax after four years with the blues, but after injuries and a lack of game time for the striker, she left for more opportunities in her home country. Goalkeeper Emily Ramsey left the toffees after three years permanently and a loan deal, joining fellow WSL side Aston Villa. Her experience for the competition makes her the only player that the team will face in the WSL, with others going in different leagues and abroad (out of the ones that were out of contract). Inter Milan signed Toni Payne after her two years with the club. The Nigerian international joined Everton from Sevilla with the attacking player a person to miss on the team. 

Youngster Kenzie Weir left after her contract ended and joined WSL2 side, Ipswich Town. After multiple loan moves away, nothing clicked in the blue kit for Weir but hoped to get gametime and be a pivotal player for Ipswich, after being on loan there last season. Melissa Lawley has joined WSL2 outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers and her contract ended this summer. She joined the blues in 2024 after five years with rivals, Liverpool but last season was on loan at Burnley in the FA Women’s National League. Finally, Elise Stenevik joined FC Köln after her contract wasn’t extended following a four year stay with the club. The Norwegian left back will also look for more game time ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup. 

Three players have also left the club despite still having years left on their contract but most of them wanted more game time. Kelly Gago left the north west to join London and WSL side West Ham United. The forward left after 18 months with the side and left a hole in the squad but was quickly replaced. Martina Fernandez rejoined Barcelona after being with the toffees since January 2025. The Liga F side triggered a buy back clause in the defender’s contract and after many players leaving, she hopes for gametime at her old club. Ines Pereira joined Deportivo La Coruna after two consecutive loan deals to the same club with the Goalkeeper only gaining experience, and hopes to be with Portugal in the Women’s World Cup next year. 

photo taken from @evertonwomen on instagram

Everton also made signings with six players signing deals and one player coming in on loan. Naomi Layzell signed a season long loan from WSL champions, Manchester City with the centre back only making three appearances last season due to injuries and hopes to get back on track. Youngster Hannah Silcock joined the blues from rivals Liverpool after 12 years with the club. After signings coming in, she fell out of favour and wants to gain more experience in the league for a big club. Goalkeeper, Rylee Foster-Imman joined the side from Canadian team, Halifax Tides but fans are already familiar with Foster and her four month spell between September 2024 – January 2025. She was with Liverpool in 2020 as the reds gave her a chance to play football again and after Emily Ramsey left the side she hopes to get game time. 

Everton signed three players from Leicester City during the transfer window including one player who returns to the club after six years away. Noemie Mouchon was the first signing of the window with the forward joining after the expiry of her contract in the midlands. Hannah Cain returns to Everton on a free transfer after the Welsh International spent six years away from the north west club. Jutta Rantala was the last player to join from Leicester City after triggering a release clause in the contract with the Finnish forward spending three seasons at the club. All three will leave a goal-scoring hole in the Leicester side but due to International experience, they would want to stay in a highly competitive league to have a chance in the squad for the next world cup. Australian forward Holly McNamara joined from Melbourne City in the A-League and will wear the number nine in the blue shirt of Everton. During her time in Melbourne, she won two golden boot awards and hopes to bring her scoring expertise to England and the Women’s Super League.  

Everton start their campaign in the WSL travelling to Crystal Palace on 6th September before hosting newly promoted Charlton the week later. A Merseyside derby is on the cards in the first five games of the season as they travel to Liverpool on the 27th September. 

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Uncategorized

AMY MERRICKS SHOWS FAITH IN SQUAD AS BIRMINGHAM CITY PREPARE FOR WSL RETURN

Image via @bcfcwomen on instagram

Birmingham City are one of the three clubs entering the WSL this year after being promoted from the second division as champions. The club was a founding member of the FA WSL in 2010 and stayed in the league until their relegation in 2021. However, five years later, they are back, and with an entirely new look too.

Amy Merricks was appointed as head coach in April 2024 and helped the team finish second in the league the following year. Now, in 2026 they just finished the season as FA WSL2 Champions, securing themselves a spot in the WSL, back where they belong.

As expected, the club has had an influx of departures as well as incomings in order to get the squad to where they need to be ahead of the upcoming season. Departures saw Poppy Irvine leave for Norwich City, Michaela Kovacs depart for Brondby, Lily Agg retire from football after successive injuries and take up a managing role at Athlone Town FC, Teagan McGowan sign at Ipswich Town, Christie Harrison Murray make the move to Burnley and  Lucy Quinn join Sheffield United. Adrianna Franch and Shanade Hopcroft have also left the club however their futures are currently unknown, with neither of them having been announced to sign for new clubs so far. The club has also seen the departure of three former loanees, Libby Bance has joined Leicester City on a permanent deal from Brighton, Lotta Lindstrom has departed London City Lionesses for Bristol City and Hannah Silcock has signed for Everton in the WSL.

In terms of incomings, the club kicked off the window with a bang with a double signing from Manchester United. Millie Turner joins after eight years at the club, being a part of the squad since their formation in 2018, she leaves the club after inconsistent game time following injury last season. Turner has also been called up to the England senior team on various occasions so it’s likely this move is partly in hopes to put herself in the best possible position ahead of the Women’s World Cup next summer. The defender is a proven centre back and brings wealths of experience to the backline after playing in the Champions League and winning the FA Cup in 2024. Lisa Naalsund departed Manchester United after three and a half years at the club, and she too experienced inconsistent game time last season. The Norwegian international regularly features for her national team and can play in a variety of roles in the midfield. The Blues currently have a relatively small midfield, so this will prove crucial to the club, particularly in heavy scheduling with cup competitions too. 

It soon became clear that the clubs main focus point of the summer was to strengthen the defence after Jade Rastocle was announced from Montpellier. At just 22 she already has five years of experience in senior football, meaning the club will not have to spend time adjusting her to top flight football unlike most athletes her age. Rastocle started every game in the Premiere Ligue Feminine last season and is a proven centre back, even featuring in the France Under 23’s regularly.

Next came Katie Startup, a 23 year old goal keeper who was most recently signed to Manchester City. Interestingly, this signing is likely to be third choice move, with the shotstopper having not made a competitive footballing appearance since the 2023/24 season. Startup last received regular minutes in the 2019/20 season however is also well known for her work in mental health off of the pitch.

Sophie Baggaley is the clubs most recent addition and is also a goalkeeper, having most recently played for Brighton & Hove Albion. Returning to her childhood club after nine years, the keeper will provide good competition for Lucy Thomas who spent last year as first choice with Birmingham. Baggaley received limited minutes with Brighton last season, being pushed out of the starting spot by Nnadozie after two years, however she occasionally features in England squad’s and may be looking at this move to put her in a better suited position for a potential call up for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Birmingham Cities transfer window has been relatively quiet for a club entering a new league, however it shows the trust that Amy Merricks has in her team, and may work out in favour for the club as the vast majority of players are comfortable playing with each other, and won’t have the issue of compatibility that we often see.

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WSL

Natalie Arroyo and Aston Villa aim high after new signings join in Transfer Window

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photo taken from @astonvillawomen on instagram

The window as a whole has seen big names move across the league and from overseas with the season looking to be a special one. Ahead of the new season, the villains have had 15 movements as of 9/08 with five players leaving the club, a retirement and a loan spell away from the club for a young upcoming player. Jenna Nighswonger also returned to her parent club, Arsenal after her loan spell with the club during the season. They have signed seven players permanently with six coming from overseas showing a hunger for playing in the Women’s Super League and seeing the growth of the game over in England. 

The first player the side announced was Mia McAulay from Scottish side Rangers. The Scotland International brings experience on the international stage despite being young with the forward looking to settle down and score goals, helping the side get a high finish. Next in the office and signed her name on the contract was Kamilla Melgärd from Madrid CFF. She was with the side since 2024, with the midfielder currently a U23 Norwegian International also looking to bring international experience to the squad along with many other Scandinavian players. 

The next two Scandinavian players through the door were Amalie Vansgaard and Justine Kielland. Vansgaard comes from Juventus after being there for two years with the forward already having 46 caps for the Denmark National team. Kielland comes from VfL Wolfsburg after being with the side since 2024 and the defensive midfielder has experience in European, International and Domestic football bringing a different dynamic to the midlands. 

The side have also strengthened their goalkeeping ranks bringing in Emily Ramsey and Akane Okuma. Ramsey joined from Everton after being with the North West England side since 2022, and got her first senior international call up for England in 2023. She brings experience in the WSL meanwhile Akane Okuma has her first experience in the league. She joins from INAC Kobe Leonessa after being there for two years and has international experience for Japan alongside now club-teammate, Maya Hijikata. 

Finally, on a permanent signing, Centre-back Mathilde Harviken joins from Juventus after being with the side for 18 months. She made her senior debut for the Norway side in 2022 and has featured in the EURO 2025 championship as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Lily Murphy was the most recent recruit after joining on loan from WSL side Manchester CIty. The forward has been with the side since 2022 and already brings European experience despite being so young. 

Aston Villa Team Celebration | photo taken from @astonvillawomen on instagram

Along with many incomings, there are always outgoings. Kirsty Hanson left the side after spending four seasons in the midlands and the forward joined Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the season. Young defender Lydia Sallaway joins Wrexham on loan for the season after spending last season on loan at Glasgow City. After a loan spell at Leicester City, Sarah Mayling joined the club permanently after starting in the academy and made over 100 appearances across two spells with the club. 

At the end of the season, Lucy Staniforth announced her retirement from professional football and therefore left the club with three more players leaving after their contract ended. Goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo went to Northern Super League club AFC Toronto and returned back to her home country, Canada. NWSL side Orlando Pride secured forward Gabi Nunes with Ebony Salmon joining WSL side West Ham United after their contracts ended. 

Overall, the club have had a successful window but will be impacted with the loss of their three forwards, Gabi Nunes, Ebony Salmon and Kirsty Hanson will all of them scoring in important games, especially during the previous season. Therefore, they might need more players with this calibre to fill in the void but the side hope to get a good start to the season to help with staying in the competitive league.