The women’s transfer window continues to gather pace, with Manchester United announcing a high-profile addition while several major clubs across England and Europe weigh up contract decisions and potential moves ahead of the new season.
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Sweden international Ellen Wangerheim from Hammarby IF on a three-year deal, running until June 2029. Although the fee has not been officially disclosed, it is widely believed to be a substantial one, reflecting United’s long-term investment in one of Europe’s most highly rated young forwards.
Wangerheim arrives in Manchester after an impressive spell with Hammarby, where she made more than 100 senior appearances. She played a key role in the club’s success during the 2023 season, helping them secure both the Damallsvenskan title and the Swedish Cup. United supporters may already be familiar with the forward, who featured against the club in last August’s Champions League qualifier in Stockholm, a match United won 1–0.
On the international stage, Wangerheim made her senior debut for Sweden in April 2024 in a 1–1 draw with England at Wembley Stadium. That match also saw new Manchester United team-mate Fridolina Rolfö score for Sweden. Speaking after completing her move, Wangerheim said it had always been her dream to play abroad and represent a club with such a rich history. At the same time, United’s director of women’s football, Matt Johnson, described her as a dynamic and versatile forward with a natural scoring instinct.
Elsewhere, Spanish outlet LaTdG reports that Barcelona are still undecided on whether to offer defender Mapi León a new contract, with discussions ongoing internally. The same outlet claims the club are working on a renewal for Ona Batlle, although negotiations are proving complicated, with the full-back attracting interest from other clubs. There is more optimism around the future of Caroline Graham Hansen, with confidence growing that the Norwegian winger will agree to a new deal.
Other Barcelona contracts that have entered their final six months include Alexia Putellas and Salama Paralluelo. Given the club's current financial instability, they might not be able to retain players as easily as they would like. Clubs in the WSL, NWSL and around Europe are keeping a close eye on the situation, though Barcelona players are known for their club loyalty.
Katie McCabe has attracted interest from several NWSL clubs for the past 18 months. They are aware that Ireland captain's Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season. Having tasted the success (and maybe a lot of alcohol) after winning the Champions League last summer, McCabe wants to compete at the top level, and with the NWSL’s new High Impact Player Rule coming into effect in July, that Landscape is one to watch.
In Italy, journalist Mauro Munro reports that Juventus has had three significant bids for Fran Kirby rejected. Brighton are reluctant to sell the England international, despite Kirby reportedly giving her approval to the move, as Juventus continue to push for an agreement.
Sky Sports reports that Everton forward Kelly Gago has handed in a formal transfer request as she attempts to force through a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Gago is under contract with Everton until 2028, but the player and her representatives claim the club had previously agreed to allow her to leave. Reports also suggest an incident during training involving a confrontation with a member of Brian Sørensen’s coaching staff contributed to her desire to depart, with further claims that she has been unable to train and is psychologically affected. At the same time, Everton is said to be blocking the transfer.
In France, L’Équipe report that France international Delphine Cascarino is close to completing a move to London City Lionesses, which would represent a significant signing for the club. Arsenal are also understood to be monitoring Hoffenheim goalkeeper Laura Dick, with interest first reported by Florian Plettenberg, as they look to resolve their goalkeeping situation. Meanwhile, Leicester City have confirmed the signing of Rachel Williams on a one-and-a-half-year contract as they continue to add experience to their squad ahead of the new campaign.
It looks like Catarina Macario is likely to stay at Chelsea in January, due to her current knock that makes her unplayable. However, she has been the subject of interest from NWSL sides.
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