A record $15.6 million was spent on international women’s transfers in 2024, according to a FIFA report, more than doubling the previous mark in 2023, and 2025 will break more records.

To start 2025, we had a world-record fee ($1.1m) as USWNT defender Naomi Girma moved to Chelsea in January, then it was broken in July as Arsenal paid $1.36m to sign Olivia Smith from Liverpool, then again when London City signed Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for $1.9m.

Here are grades for all the major summer transfers in the European women’s game, with each listed in order of date and then highest fee.

All fees are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.

Sept. 4

Grace Geyoro
€1.65m (£1.4m, $1.9m)

PSG: C+
London City: A

If anyone were in doubt about London City’s ambitions for this season, the arrival of Geyoro for a world-record fee should see to that. It is no longer just about survival for the newly promoted side, it is about winning and their summer business has put them in a position to challenge for a Champions League place.

With more than 100 France caps to her name, Geyoro is an outstanding talent and will bring plenty of quality to Jocelyn Precheur’s side. At the other end of the experience spectrum, Lucía Corrales — who joins the club from Barcelona for around £430,000 — will be a valuable option on the left flank.

Alyssa Thompson
£960,000 ($1.3m)

Angel City: C
Chelsea: A

Chelsea are no strangers to recruiting the world’s best talent but the signing of Thompson is arguably the biggest coup of the window. The 20-year-old is an outstanding player, having become the first high schooler to be drafted first in NWSL history back in 2023. It is a huge blow for the NWSL to lose the United States international, but their loss is the WSL’s game, and she could prove to be the missing puzzle piece for Bompastor’s side as they look to clinch that elusive UEFA Women’s Champions League title.

Grace Clinton
Undisclosed

Man United: C
Man City: A

After returning to Manchester following an outstanding loan spell at Tottenham last summer, Clinton was viewed as one of United’s most exciting stars. That, only a year later, she is joining their archrivals is a huge blow for Marc Skinner and his team.

A dynamic, athletically-gifted midfielder, Clinton will be a huge asset to City in attack as they seek to end Chelsea’s stranglehold on the WSL title. — BL

Jess Park
Undisclosed

Man City: B-
Man United: A

Park is an outstanding talent who already has plenty of WSL experience under her belt. She is Manchester City through and through and so it is a shame to see her move on from the club she joined as a teenager back in 2017. That said, she seemed to stagnate slightly last season and so the change of environment could be beneficial to her, and to United. — BL

Emilia Szymczak
Loan

Barcelona: B
Liverpool: B

It has been a tricky summer for Liverpool, who lost their creative spark when Smith joined Arsenal for a club-record fee. While Szymczak is a different kind of player, she could help make a real difference to the Reds’ attack this term.

Despite having largely been limited to appearances for Barcelona’s B team, the 19-year-old already has 14 caps for Poland and represented her country at Euro 2025. It could end up being a really smart deal for all parties.

Lia Wälti
Free

Juventus: A

You would be hard-pressed to find anybody in football with a bad word to say about Wälti. Across her seven years at Arsenal, the 32-year-old established herself as one of the best midfielders in Europe and it is fitting that her final act for the Gunners was to win the Champions League last season. It is clear the player felt she would struggle for minutes in North London this season and Juventus have got themselves a gem of a player, fresh off the back of a summer in which Walti helped her native Switzerland make history by reaching the knockout stages of the Euros for the first time ever.

Sept. 3

Ruby Mace
Undisclosed

Leicester: C
Everton: A

Mace has long been regarded as one of the brightest young talents in English football and the fact she has joined Everton for a club-record fee attests to that. The 22-year-old already has plenty of WSL experience under her belt and has also been capped to England. She will bring grit, quality and dynamism to Everton’s midfield.

For Leicester, her departure continues a disappointing summer, however the transfer fee could be useful in helping to bolster the ranks going forward.

Aug. 29

Hayley Raso
Undisclosed

Tottenham: B-
Eintracht Frankfurt: B

Raso was viewed as a really exciting signing for Tottenham last season, but she struggled to really hit the heights during her time at Brisbane Road. Still, she is a hugely talented player with 99 Australia caps to her name and will bring bags of experience and quality to a Frankfurt side bidding to win the Frauen-Bundesliga title. — BL

Aug. 27

Katie Zelem
Undisclosed

Angel City: B-
London City: B+

When it comes to experienced, WSL-proven midfielders, you can’t get much better than Zelem. The 29-year-old won the title twice with Liverpool and captained Manchester United to FA Cup glory. She has also represented England on the international stage and now has experience of playing in the NWSL. All of these factors could prove hugely useful to London City as they try to establish themselves as a force in the top flight. — BL

Alanna Kennedy
Undisclosed

Angel City: B-
London City: B+

As with Zelem, Kennedy arrives at London City with bags of experience under her belt, both domestically and internationally. Strong in the air and composed on the ball, Kennedy is a natural leader and has over 100 caps for the Australia national team. She is another shrewd signing for the newly promoted side. — BL

Aug. 26

Julia Bartel
Loan

Chelsea: A
Atletico: B

So far, it’s been a tricky start to life in English football for Bartel. She arrived at Chelsea as a highly rated young player, but struggled for game time last term, making just two appearances for Sonia Bompastor’s side before being loaned out to Liverpool in January.

Even on Merseyside, Bartel struggled to establish herself as a regular, however a return to her native Spain might be just what she needs to help her rediscover her best form. — BL

Aug. 25

Giulia Dragoni
Loan

Barcelona: B
Roma: A

Dragoni was an integral part of Roma’s midfield last season, making 43 appearances across all competitions and scoring six goals. An injury at the end of last season prevented her from starring for Italy at Euro 2025 over the summer, however she already has impressive international pedigree, becoming the youngest player to play in a World Cup for Italy, aged only 16 years and 259 days.

For Barcelona, it’s an opportunity for the 18-year-old to continue getting valuable minutes under her belt; though considering how light their squad is this season, she could have been a valuable option off the bench. — BL

Aug. 19

Michelle Agyemang
Loan

Arsenal: A
Brighton & Hove Albion: A

The 19-year-old striker was England’s saving grace from off the bench during Euro 2025, but Arsenal had a dilemma on their hands when she returned: keep her within their ranks but risk limited game-time, or send her on loan where they will have less control over her development?

Agyemang spent last season on loan at Brighton and while she did not get as much playing time as hoped, she was able to develop certain areas of her game. Brighton were keen to have her support then-striker Nikita Parris last season, but Agyemang can take on a more prominent role now Parris has moved on.

It’s a positive move for both clubs. Brighton get an exceptionally talented forward to aid their campaign; Arsenal will get to reap the reward next season of having their “agent of chaos” develop into a starting WSL striker. — EK

Aug. 15

Fridolina Rolfo
Free

Manchester United: B

A player of Rolfo’s class isn’t always available on a free transfer, but Barcelona are struggling with financial issues and reportedly took the decision to let the 31-year-old Sweden forward go a year before the end of her contract to open up space on their wage bill. Their loss is United’s gain and her experience winning trophies at Bayern, Wolfsburg and Barcelona should help take them to the next level. — EK

Aug. 1

Maelys Mpomé
Undisclosed

Chelsea: B
Brighton & Hove Albion: B

With so many experienced internationals taking the starting defensive slots, it was always going to be a big ask for Mpomé to break into the side. Though it has been Chelsea’s plan to sign young talent, the France youth international has not worked for the system, making only two starts in five WSL games and made two appearances off the bench in the Champions League. With young players like Veerle Buurman returning from loan and poised to move ahead of Mpomé in manager Sonia Bompastor’s plans, it is a smart move to secure a permanent transfer as a loan would only prolong the inevitable exit for the 22-year-old.

Brighton are getting a capable and highly respected defender, though having faced limited minutes last season, it may take a bit of time to return the former Montpellier centre-back to her normal standard.. — EK

Aug. 1

Julia Zigiotti Olme
Undisclosed

Bayern Munich: B
Manchester United: A

For Manchester United fans, it’s been a long wait to seal their first summer transfer but, in Zigotti Olme, they have signed a real talent. The defensive midfielder was one of Sweden’s standout performers at Euro 2025, and she knows the WSL well having previously enjoyed a two-year spell with Brighton & Hove Albion. Her work rate will be a real asset for United as they seek to close the gap on champions Chelsea.

The 27-year-old also arrives in Manchester with experience of winning trophies, including helping Bayern to a league and cup double last season. She made 16 appearances in the Frauen-Bundesliga, and another five in the Champions League. — BL

Elena Linari
Undisclosed

Roma: C
London City Lionesses: A

London City Lionesses have done some very shrewd business this summer and the signing of Italy international Linari is no exception. The defender has picked up the Serie A title on five occasions (twice with Brescia, once with Fiorentina and twice with Roma) and won the Coppa Italia six times (twice at each of those teams).

She was named in the Serie A team of the year on three occasions during her time with Roma and was one of the standout stars of Italy’s impressive run to the semifinals of Euro 2025. A born leader with plenty of experience, the 31-year-old is the sort of signing that could be key to London City’s survival in the WSL. — BL

July 26

Nikita Parris
Free

London City Lionesses: B

This is a bit of a lateral move for the veteran forward. Moving from a midtable WSL team to a promoted one will provide little difference for her in terms of game minutes. Having missed out on a place at the Euros, it’s unlikely the move will reignite her England career. It is great for London City to bolster their side with seasoned players, as experience will help needed during their debut campaign. Brighton was a productive move for Parris, and after only one season an exit seems slightly premature, especially if Michele Kang’s Lionesses will be fighting against relegation next term. — EK

July 18

Sam Kerr
Undisclosed

Bayern Munich: B
Liverpool: B+

Despite winning the Bundesliga title during her time with Bayern, it never really worked out for Kerr in Germany. In January, she was deemed surplus to requirements and was allowed to join Liverpool on loan. It always felt like an exit was likely this summer and, with the midfielder having penned a contract with Bayern until 2026, the German side will have managed to recoup a fee. For Liverpool, signing Kerr permanently was a no brainer. There is lots of upheaval for the Reds at the moment, with their hunt for a manager ongoing, and so retaining the services of a player who settled in quickly last term makes total sense. — BL

Martina Fernandez
Undisclosed

Barcelona: B
Everton: A

It’s been a tricky couple of years for Everton. A succession of injuries to key players, coupled with financial restrictions behind the scenes, has made it hard for Brian Sorensen’s side to really kick on. But, with new owners The Friedkin Group now in place, the club are starting to really make moves in the transfer window.

With opportunities limited at Barcelona, Fernandez joined Everton on loan in January and impressed so much she was named the club’s young player of the season. She played every minute of the 12 WSL games she was available for and, at just 20, looks to be a shrewd permanent addition. — BL

July 17

Olivia Smith
£1m ($1.36m)

Liverpool: B
Arsenal: A

Liverpool set a high asking price, and for good reason. At 20, Smith is already an experienced and prolific winger, yet to enter the best years of her career. She was crucial to Liverpool’s campaign last season and, as she had two years left on her contract, the demand was always going to be high. The Reds were reluctant to part ways with her, but £1m for a club with a historically stringent budget will do wonders for the calibre of player they can now bring in.

Lyon and Chelsea were both keen, but neither were willing to match the world-record requirement. Arsenal did and it is a solid statement from the Gunners who have previously had world-record bits rejected for the likes of Alessia Russo, Mary Earps, Naomi Girma and Keira Walsh. After winning the Champions League, they needed a statement signing to solidify their plans to continue European dominance. But, with competition on the wing from recent signing Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead, who has one season left on her contract, keeping all three happy and rotated may not be the easiest task.

Smith will not have left a team like Liverpool, who were willing to build a squad around her, to sit on the bench in north London. Some have queried whether the fee is too high for such a young player, but as quickly as the women’s transfer market is growing, that fee could easily double in a year or two, making it a smart investment. Arsenal also need to bring their age profile down, so introducing Smith will gradually help transition the squad. — EK

July 15

Anneke Borbe
Free

Arsenal: B

Borbe enjoyed an impressive season for Wolfsburg last term. The 24-year-old goalkeeper made 15 appearances in all competitions for the German side, establishing herself as their first-choice in February this year and helping them to reach the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals. For Wolfsburg, losing her on a free transfer is a blow. But their loss is Arsenal’s gain. While Borbe isn’t a marquee signing, she will provide competition for No. 1 Daphne van Domselaar and will be a solid backup as the Gunners look to challenge on multiple fronts. — BL

July 9

Sydney Lohmann
Undisclosed

Bayern Munich: B-
Manchester City: B+

Lohmann has spent all of her professional career to date with Bayern, having made her debut as a 16-year-old, so it makes sense that she would want a new challenge. She won six major honors, during her time in Bavaria, including four Bundesliga titles, and Bayern will miss her quality and experience. From City’s perspective, though, Lohmann is an excellent addition. The midfielder has already proved herself on both the domestic and international stage and, while she might not necessarily take the team to the next level, she will provide important depth and, crucially, a goal-scoring threat following the departure of midfielder Jill Roord to FC Twente. — BL

July 8

Lily Yohannes
€450,000

Ajax: A
OL Lyonnes: A

As a smaller club, Ajax were always going to struggle to hold on to a potential superstar like Yohannes. Like those in lower-ranked leagues or teams, the lure of the big sides, with higher salaries, more opportunities and more competition, always wins. But Ajax got a hefty transfer fee for the 18-year-old USWNT star which will serve the club well to bring in replacements as they look to push on in their European journey.

Lyonnes were in competition with Chelsea to sign Yohannes, but weren’t willing to match Lyon’s highly competitive offer. They’re getting an exceptionally talented wonderkid with Champions League experience, with a high commercial value too, given her ties with the USWNT. Lyon are also able to integrate younger players into the first team a lot quicker than Chelsea can, meaning Yohannes is likely to gain a starting role far sooner than if she had moved to west London. It’s a good signing for all parties involved. — EK

Poppy Pattinson
Free

London City Lionesses: B+

Pattinson has been close to an ever present for Brighton across her three seasons at the club, so losing her on a free transfer isn’t perhaps the smartest piece of business from Dario Vidosic’s side. For London City, however, her arrival is another real statement of intent as the club look to establish themselves as WSL mainstays following their promotion from the second tier. Pattinson is a vastly experienced left-back and should bring the team plenty of quality and knowhow as they bid for survival next term. — BL

Ellie Roebuck
Free

Aston Villa: A

Roebuck has had a tough few seasons. After being left on the bench at Manchester City, she joined Barcelona in 2024, but suffered a stroke and has faced issues getting game time ever since. Indeed, the 25-year-old has made only two appearances since the end of the 2022-23 season. It’s unfortunate that the Catalans could not make the move work as, at one point, she was destined to be the next top goalkeeper in Europe and for England — though she has not featured for the Lionesses in over two years.

The move will great for getting Roebuck’s confidence and minutes up, while Villa are looking to build on some tough recent seasons, so a seasoned professional in between the sticks will surely help their cause. — EK

July 7

Becky Spencer
Undisclosed

Tottenham: B
Chelsea: B+

This is a deal that makes a lot of sense for all parties. At 34, Spencer is a hugely experienced goalkeeper — hence why Chelsea moved to bring her in as emergency goalkeeper cover back in March. It is unsurprising that the deal has now been made permanent. With Zecira Musovic having announced her pregnancy in February 2025, Chelsea were in need of a capable deputy for No.1 Hannah Hampton. Having fallen behind Eleanor Heeps and Lize Kop in the pecking order at Tottenham, Spencer will be on standby to step in as Chelsea look to challenge for the game’s biggest prizes. — BL

Taylor Hinds
Free

Arsenal: B+

Hinds leaving Liverpool, where she was captain and a sure starter, for a club where she’ll have to fight for game time is an interesting one. The Jamaica international’s contract expired in Merseyside despite being offered a new deal.

While a move to the European champions will provide a greater challenge, Hinds may see a significant drop in game time as U.S. international Emily Fox has secured her place in the right-back role. Arsenal also have their leadership team locked down with Kim Little, Leah Williamson and Katie McCabe so she’ll unlikely take a captaincy role but adding another player capable of stepping up is never a bad thing. Though some rotation to give Fox some rest will provide Hinds with opportunities to play, the 26-year-old may become quite restless confined to the bench next season. — EK

Teyah Goldie
Free

London City Lionesses: A-

It’s been a really difficult few years for Goldie. The Arsenal academy product has twice ruptured her ACL, which significantly limited her opportunities at the Emirates. However, she enjoyed an excellent season on loan at London City last term, scooping up the club’s young player of the season award and helping them to promotion. At just 21, she has plenty of room to develop and could be a real asset as the club battle to avoid the drop. — BL

July 4

Korbin Albert
Free

OL Lyonnes: A

For PSG, losing a player to bitter rivals Lyonnes is nothing new and, having lost out to the eight-time Champions League winners in both the regular season and the Première Ligue playoff final last term, Albert’s departure is another blow. The 21-year-old USWNT midfielder scored 12 goals in 71 appearances during her time in the French capital and already has the makings of a top player. She adds to Lyonnes’s already impressive squad depth and will make it even harder for PSG to challenge for the title next season. — BL

July 2

Ellie Carpenter
Undisclosed

Lyon: C-
Chelsea: B-

Lyon are losing an experienced defender, even though Carpenter is only 25. She is one of several departures this summer, as the squad look to shift to younger talent with Jonathan Giraldez’s arrival as manager, but it feels like poor business to let such a talented right-back depart.

She will reunite with former manager Sonia Bompastor in London, and while Chelsea signed Lucy Bronze at right back last season, Carpenter will serve as succession planning for the 33-year-old. But as a regular starter for a top European side already, the Australia international will not be happy sitting on the bench and neither will Bronze, so keeping everyone happy will be a tough task. Despite it being a very positive addition for Chelsea, the risk of upsetting the harmony and balance in the squad reduces the grade. — EK

Chloe Kelly
Free

Arsenal: A

While Kelly left Man City on loan to rejoin her childhood club in January, there was little chance that the forward would remain at City after the expiry of her contract. The relationship between the England winger and the club broke down and, amid an injury crisis, the loss of a fast and experienced forward left City in a worse place, while she went on to win the Champions League with the Gunners. It’s a great piece of business for Arsenal, and while Man City bade farewell to Kelly back in January, the public fallout may not help their prospect of making future signings. — EK

July 1

Ashley Lawrence
Undisclosed

Chelsea: B
Lyon: A

Lawrence had a productive start to her time in London, but she never really broke into the side. With other players starting ahead of her, a transfer for the Canada international is the right choice to allow her more game time, though it’s a slightly negative reflection on Bompastor as former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes had a knack for rotating to keep everyone happy.

With Ellie Carpenter leaving, Lawrence plugs a gap that needed filling, so it is a smart piece of business for both clubs. With her Champions League experience at PSG and Chelsea, she’ll be an asset to this new-look Lyon team. — EK

Jill Roord
Undisclosed

Man City: D
FC Twente: A

In a strange turn of events, Roord requested a move back to the Netherlands with a year left on her contract. She will be a monumental loss for City. Still, the 28-year-old midfielder is a great signing for the Dutch side as they look to compete in the Champions League and domestically. — EK

Marie-Antoinette Katoto
Free

OL Lyonnes: A

It’s a pretty big loss for PSG as Katoto, one of the best strikers in the world at 26, went to a direct rival on a free transfer. It’s a sore one, too, after OL Lyonnes acquired Kadidiatou Diani from Paris last season. With OL Lyonnes paying high wages thanks to owner Michele Kang and money from their previous European domination, this likely won’t be the last time PSG lose out on a player, or a fee, to their rival. It’s poor business from PSG that they still can’t compete. — EK

Jule Brand
Free

OL Lyonnes: A

Brand is 21 and already one of the most promising wingers in Europe. Her ability to run at defenders and create issues in the opposition box makes her a varied attacking threat, and OL Lyonnes can be happy with the deal — especially because it’s a free transfer. Wolfsburg, however, have lost a lot of their stars already and are in transition. But this one might hurt the most. — EK

Daniëlle van de Donk
Free

London City Lionesses: A

After four years in France, the 33-year-old has returned to England, and a move to WSL debutants London City (which sees her stay with Kang’s franchise of clubs) will give them great experience. The Netherlands international spent six years in England with Arsenal and knows the depth of competitiveness and quality it takes to play in the WSL. Her departure from Lyonnes also creates space for the club to bring in younger players as they look to reduce the average age of their squad. — EK

Ingrid Engen
Free

OL Lyonnes: A-

Having played most of her career in midfield, the Norway international excelled at center back with Barcelona during Mapi Leon’s injury. But upon Leon’s return, Engen returned to the bench and struggled for playing time, so her exit is unsurprising. Barcelona’s inability to negotiate a fee from OL Lyonnes isn’t the best business, but the 27-year-old will reunite with Jonatan Giráldez in France and will fill the gap left by the departing Van de Donk. — EK

Sara Däbritz
Free

Real Madrid: A

Real Madrid are getting a seasoned professional who knows what it takes to win. With Madrid still not matching Barcelona’s dominance in Liga F, Däbritz might get them a step closer. For OL Lyonnes, moving on from a 30-year-old fits their plan of investing and embedding younger talent as they try to bring down the average age of their squad under Giráldez. — EK

Olga Carmona
Free

PSG: B

It’s a big loss for Real Madrid to say goodbye to their former captain, especially to a Champions League rival whom they will likely face at some point in the new format of the competition. Though PSG often struggle to fend off competition for their top players, Real Madrid have an equally poor track record of keeping theirs. It should be a positive step for Carmona, 25, if she can retain a starting role, but it seems more of a lateral move than anything that will greatly advance her career. — EK

Lina Hurtig
Free

Fiorentina: A

It was no surprise that Hurtig’s contract was not extended in north London, and the Sweden international chose to leave. Indeed, Hurtig struggled throughout her three-year stay and though she can be a great talent, Arsenal could not get enough out of her, so it was the right choice to part ways. Fiorentina are getting a Champions League winner for nothing, which is a massive boost for the Italian side. — EK

Laia Aleixandri
Free

Barcelona: A

City have lost a key and versatile player, who stepped up to take the captaincy in the absence of Alex Greenwood. Part of the core leadership group at City, Aleixandri and Roord will be hard to replace. But it’s a great signing for Barcelona, who lost Engen to OL Lyonnes. — EK

June 22

Iman Beney
Undisclosed

BSC YB Frauen: B-
Man City: A-

A very exciting move for a young player. Joining a better club was always expected for the 18-year-old Beney, who wanted to recover from her ACL injury with her former club before looking for a new challenge. City have spots that need to be filled, and the young forward from Switzerland will bring some drive and hunger to the side. The fee City paid will also help Young Boys Frauen a lot financially. — EK

June 18

Jade Rose
Undisclosed

Harvard University: C
Man City: A+

Rose’s time at university was coming to an end and, after facing tough competition from other WSL sides, City secured her signature. It is a great move for a young and promising defender who is already rooted in Canada’s national team setup. The move plugs a much-needed gap in City’s defense after the loss of Aleixandri, and the long-term development of the 22-year-old will likely pay dividends. — EK

Livia Peng
Undisclosed

Werder Bremen: B
Chelsea: C

Though Chelsea’s plan is to create a pipeline of young talent over the next four years, it is hard to see where Peng fits into this. She’s 22 and, with Chelsea having also signed 20-year-old Femke Liefting and with academy graduate Katie Cox on the books, too, Peng will struggle for playing time. It is unlikely she’ll play in the first season, but it is hard to see her breaking into the team after that, with Hannah Hampton firmly holding the starting spot and two young players also vying for a chance. Peng is competing for the No. 1 spot with Elvira Herzog for the Switzerland national team, and a lack of minutes with her new club won’t help her case. — EK

Mara Alber
Undisclosed

Hoffenheim: B-
Chelsea: B

Another youngster who is part of Chelsea’s future planning, Alber is also unlikely to play much in her first season, but with time and a four-year deal, it is easy to see her breaking into the lineup in a season or two. Though she’s 19, a loan move would be ideal to keep her progressing before she gets her chance to shine in West London. Hoffenheim have lost a key player who would have been a shining star, though these less-competitive clubs will struggle to fend off interest from the top European sides. — EK