Inside the women’s football transfer window so far

From free agents to record-breaking fees, there has been plenty of transfer action across the Women’s Football Transfer Window.

One of the biggest names on the move this window is Alexia Putellas, a Spanish midfielder and two-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time. She announced her departure from FC Barcelona as a free agent, and her future has been the subject of much speculation. Despite reports of interest from the NWSL, particularly from the newly formed Boston Legacy, it is believed that she is set to join London City Lionesses in a deal which is destined to see her become one of the highest earners in the WSL. She is rumoured to be joined by fellow compatriot and clubmate Mapi León, who is also leaving Barcelona as a free agent, whilst Mary Earps, former England and Manchester United goalkeeper, has been confirmed to have signed a contract with the London club through 2028.

Arsenal have already secured one free agent from Barcelona, having tied down versatile full-back Ona Batlle on a pre-contract agreement

Putellas and León are not the only departures from FC Barcelona; forward Salma Paralluelo announced her departure from the club following the expiration of her contract, having rejected the Spanish Club’s offer of a new deal. She has allegedly rejected a £1 million contract from Chelsea, whilst PSG, Olympique Lyonnais, London City Lionesses, and Arsenal are said to be in the race for her signature. Arsenal have already secured one free agent from Barcelona, having tied down versatile full-back Ona Batlle on a pre-contract agreement. The North London club have also bolstered their midfield options with the signing of Georgia Stanway, whose contract at Bayern Munich also expired this summer.

Across the WSL, some high profiles are on the move between clubs within the league. Katie McCabe caused a stir after switching from the red to the blue side of London, joining Chelsea on a three year contract, after an 11 year spell with the Gunners. Having signed a left-back in McCabe, it is highly likely that Niamh Charles will in turn depart the Blues, linked with a £500,000 move to WSL Champions Manchester City. She will be joined on the blue side of Manchester by fellow Lionesses team-mate Beth Mead, who signed a deal with the title winners through 2029 after a nine year stint at Arsenal. Chelsea also look set to lose Swedish Winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd*, who has been rumoured to make the move to French giants OL Lyonnes, and have already seen club legend Sam Kerr depart at the end of her contract, returning to Gotham FC where she once played before her highly successful spell at Chelsea.

The Women’s Super League Transfer Window opened on the 16 June and shuts on the 3 September 2026

Despite the abundance of free agents moving this summer, the Women’s transfer record has once again been broken, with Real Madrid paying over $1.5 million to bring prolific young striker Felicia Schroeder to the club from BK Hacken, who claim that the deal makes her the most expensive women’s signing of all time.

The Women’s Super League Transfer Window opened on the 16 June and shuts on the 3 September 2026, which gives clubs and players plenty more time to finalize moves both domestically and internationally.

*Since the writing of this article, OL Lyonnes have confirmed the signing of Johanna Rytting Kaneryd