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Arsenal Women: Summer transfer window overview 2025

By Emma Nicholls

After Arsenal’s Champions League glory last season, they had a surprisingly quiet transfer window although they had a handful of key moves in order to strengthen the squad. 

Young Gunners Cecily Wellesley-Smith and Jessie Gale both committed their futures to the club by signing their first professional contracts. 

After a highly successful loan spell throughout the second half of last season, Chloe Kelly has rejoined Arsenal permanently. The forward, who rediscovered her love for the game back in North London, will add attacking depth and experience ahead of the new season. 

Arsenal dipped into the WSL market, signing Liverpool duo Taylor Hinds and Olivia Smith.

Olivia Smith, a 21-year-old midfielder arrives for a record breaking fee. Smith also holds the record for being Canada’s all time youngest player after making her debut for the national team at the age of 15 in 2019. 

Taylor Hinds makes a return to the Gunners after 8 years away. Having joined the  academy in 2010 at just the age of 11. She continued to impress at the club and broke into the first team during the 2017/2018 season before moving on to develop her career. Now back as a Jamaican international, the versatile midfielder will bring maturity and resilience to the squad. 

Arsenal also added experience between the sticks, with the arrival of German goalkeeper Anneke Borbe who joined the club from Wolfsburg. 

Departures:

Alongside the arrivals, Arsenal also saw several outgoings. 

Michelle Ageymang and Rosa Kafaji have been loaned out to Brighton while Laila Harbert has joined Portland Thorns on loan. 

Following successful loan spells at London City Lionesses, Teyah Goldie and Freya Godfrey have now made their moves permanent.

Laura Wienrother has also completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City, after impressing during her loan spell. 

Meanwhile, Lina Hurtig has signed  for Fiorentina and Amanda Illestedt has signed for Frankfurt. 

Although it’s not yet confirmed, it’s looking increasingly likely that Lia Walti will join Italian side Juventus before the transfer window closes, bringing a close to her seven year spell at Arsenal.

Chloe Kelly playing for Arsenal Women against Brighton. Photo: Charlotte Neal for Constancy Sport

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WSL

Manchester City Women: Their Summer Signings and Ones to Watch

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Manchester City kick off the 2025/26 WSL Season as they head to Chelsea on Friday. Last season was a disappointing season for the blues after they finished outside the top 3 but with a new manager in charge and some new faces in the squad they look to get back where they belong. 

Joining Manchester City were Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich), Jade Rose (Harvard University), Iman Beney (Young Boys), Laura Wienroither (Arsenal), and Eartha Cummings (Rosengard). Laura Coombs, Lily Murphy, Codie Thomas and Mayzee Davies all also signed a new contract extension. 

Nick Cushing was interim head coach after the loss of Gareth Taylor in March but he moved to new side Denver Summit FC. Andrée Jeglertz joined the north west from Denmark Women’s National Team ahead of the campaign. 

Leaving Manchester this window was Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Laia Aleixandri (Barcelona) and Jill Roord (FC Twente) with Aemu Oyama going out on loan to Rosengard. Although there are a couple days left of the window, there could still be some comings and goings. 

There’s plenty of players to watch but some players people might not know about are Canadian Jade Rose and Swiss forward Iman Beney from Harvard University and Young Boys respectively. 

Jade Rose: 

The Canadian became City’s first signing of the summer, signing for four years until 2029. The 22 year old arrives from Harvard University as the exciting defender looks to make the step into professional domestic football. 

She received a number of Ivy League accolades in her 4 years and was voted Young Women’s Player of the Year for Canada in 2023, already having 28 Senior international appearances to her name. 

When speaking to her new club, she stated that: “I think the sky is the limit for this team and I can’t wait to grow and get at it.” Taking over from Laia Aleixandri, she will wear the number 4 in her debut campaign. 

Iman Beney: 

Already a fully fledged Swiss International, the 18 year old heads to the WSL after winning the league title with BSC Young Boys Frauen. Last season, she finished with nine goals in 22 appearances and earned her spot in the Swiss Super League Team of the Season. 

The youngster has an eye for goal and is a dynamic player who will be one to watch in the team this season, especially if people are not familiar with her game. 

The fans got an early glimpse of how she plays in their open training session earlier this summer and also got to see how she plays when she had a pivotal part in the home tournament. 

When speaking to Manchester City, she said: “For my development, City is the best place. I think it’s a good fit.”  The youngster will also wear the number 24 shirt for this campaign. 

Photo taken from @_.jaderose on Instagram
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WSL

Brighton & Hove Albion Signings: Everything you need to know

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