Womens Football – Page 15 – Constancy Sport

Burnley have been active in the transfer window so far despite already starting their season in the middle of August. They brought in ex Liverpool boss Matt Beard and added 11 players to bolster their squad. The side got rid of 12 players this summer and one went back to their parent club at the end of the season.

Last week, It was announced that after four games, Matt Beard left the side to pursue other opportunities with Louise Roberts stepping in as interim manager. It was also announced that prior to the season, the side will turn fully professional ahead of this season.

Burnley finished 4th last season and won the Lancashire FA Women’s Senior Cup for the third time in three years. The side won 9-0 at home last season on two occasions against Hull City and Stourbridge respectively.

This Summer, the FAWNL side brought in Jasmine Matthews (Liverpool), Yana Daniёls (Liverpool), Eva Spencer (Liverpool), Millie Ravening (Stoke City), Mel Lawley (On Loan from Everton), Deirdre Bradley (Durham), Millie Chandarana (Nottingham Forest), Brooke Cairns (Wrexham), Alethea Paul (Unattached), Abby-Leigh Stringer (DC Power), and Maddie Robinson (Liverpool U21).

The side unhauled 12 players and Louanne Worsey went back to Birmingham City (Parent Club) after the season finished. Lucy Farrell (Stoke City), Amelia Hazard (Rugby Borough), Rhema Lord-Mears, Anna Grey (Wolves), Reanna Blades (Sunderland), Isabella Reidford (Stoke City), Georgia Marshall (Wolves), Mikayla Wildgoose (Derby), Laura Elford (Huddersfield), Grace Palmer (Oxford United), Amaya Coleman-Evans (Aviles FC) and Lucy Walsh (Bolton Wanderers) all left the Clarets this summer.

Players to watch this season that not many people might know about would be Defender Alethea Paul and Midfielder Millie Chandarana.

Alethea Paul:

Alethea Paul was Rebecca Sawiuk’s first signing back in 2023 after spending 5 years at Sheffield United and became their longest serving player.

During her time in the 23/24 season, she was the Captain and said “It’s a very proud moment to be named Club Captain for the upcoming season.”

She rejoined the Clarets ahead of the season after a year away and the defender is ready to bring her skills and expertise back to the FAWNL.

Millie Chandarana:

Before moving to Forest in 2024, she had three seasons at Blackburn Rovers and had time in Italy, San Marino, Manchester United and at Loughborough Lightning’s Foxes.

She won the league last season with Nottingham Forest before moving back to the north west ahead of this campaign. She is consistent in midfield, combining both her technical and leadership skills and will be one to watch this season.

When joining the Clarets, she said: “We have a goal and a vision that we are working towards, and hopefully we can accomplish that this year.”

Photo taken from @burnleywomen on instagram

Mayles Mpome

Brighton & Hove Albion have secured the services of French defender Mayles Mpome. The 22-year-old joins the club after a season with Chelsea, where she was part of the domestic treble-winning squad, making eight appearances in all competitions. Before her time in England, Mpome was a key player for Montpellier, where she became a regular starter and made over 70 appearances.

On the international front, Mpome has consistently represented France’s youth teams, from the U-17s to the U-23s, highlighting her talent and potential. Her consistent selection for the French youth teams and a call-up to a senior squad camp earlier in 2025 suggest she is a promising prospect for the future.

Rosa Kafaji – (On loan from Arsenal)

She signed a long-term contract for the Gunners in 2024 but spent the majority of last season on the bench due to Arsenal’s stacked midfield. She’s made 10 appearances for Arsenal, scoring twice.

Kafaji is the future of Sweden. She made her debut in 2023, subbing on against Italy in a 1-1 draw. Since then, she has made 12 appearances for Sweden and scored twice. She was set to appear at the women’s Euros, but unfortunately, she was ruled out of the competition due to an ankle injury. But is sure to perform for Brighton this season.

Carla Camacho

Carla Camacho’s arrival is a great addition for Brighton & Hove Albion, as the club secures a promising young forward for the Women’s Super League. Camacho, who previously played for Orcasitas and Atlético de Madrid, spent four seasons at Real Madrid, where she was promoted to the first team. Her experience at one of the world’s biggest clubs provides her with a strong foundation to build upon as she begins a new chapter in English football.

On the international stage, Camacho has been a key player for Spain’s youth national teams, with an impressive list of achievements. She was a member of the Spain U-17 team that won the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and also finished as a runner-up in the 2022 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship, where she earned the Golden Boot. The following year, she continued her success by helping the Spain U-19 team win the 2023 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship.

Chiamaka Nnadozie

Joining from Paris FC, Nnadozie brings a wealth of experience in the top flight, including valuable Champions League game time. Beyond her club success, she has also racked up numerous individual honours, including the COF Goalkeeper of the Year award and a place in the WAFCON Team of the Tournament.

She has been a key player for the Super Falcons since joining the team at just 19 years old, making 45 appearances since 2018. During that time, she has competed in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, while also helping her team win gold at the 2018 and 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as well as the 2019 African Games.

Grace McNewan – First Contract

Grace McEwen’s addition to Brighton’s squad is a significant one, as the club has secured a promising young defender. Having progressed through Charlton Athletic’s academy, she signed for Brighton in 2023 and made her first-team debut in an FA Cup match in early 2024.

Last season, McEwen was on loan at Portsmouth to gain senior experience, where her time was cut short after she ruptured her ACL. Women’s and girls’ academy manager Perry Northeast said, “She’s had a challenging few months since her injury, but she has shown great professionalism and is making positive strides in her rehab, and we’re looking forward to seeing her back on the pitch with her teammates very soon.”

Michelle Agyemang – Loan

England’s stargirl is back at Brighton, signing on loan for another season. This summer, she made sure everyone knew her name, really becoming the saviour of the nation. She was England’s super sub, saving them by scoring last-minute goals and providing game-winning assists. At just 19, she’s become a European Champion, when a couple of months previously, she hadn’t even made her England debut.

Brighton will be happy to keep her for the 25/26 season, previously played for them last season. Before that, she was on a dual registration at Watford, where she made 9 appearances and scored 4 goals.

Brighton & Hove Albion Women at the end of the 24/25 season. Photo: BHAFCW