The World Cup may be over but, after a short break, most of its stars will start preparing for their club seasons. The transfer market is always abuzz and some players made their moves before the tournament got under way in Australia and New Zealand. Here we pick 10 of the main ones that took place, as well as some that may well happen in the next few weeks.
Kadidiatou Diani: Paris St-Germain to Lyon The France forward, who reached the quarter-finals with her country and won the Silver Boot at the World Cup, was linked to several clubs, including Chelsea, this summer. But after becoming the first French player to score a hat-trick at a Women’s World Cup, Lyon announced she would be joining their ranks. The eight-time Women’s Champions League winners signed the 28-year-old on a free transfer on a four-year deal. The forward was the top scorer in the Division 1 Féminine last season with 17 goals. Quite a signing from their rivals PSG.
Alessia Russo: Manchester United to Arsenal Arsenal put two world-record bids to Manchester United back in January for Russo but they were rejected. Fast forward to July and the Gunners got the player’s signature for free. The 24-year-old, who has won the Euros and finished as runner-up at the World Cup with England, will have to fight for her place in the starting lineup with Arsenal already having a good group of forwards. She may be put straight into the team though with Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema still recovering from ACL injuries. Mead may be available for the start of the season on 1 October though, so let the battle for places commence.
Geyse: Barcelona to Manchester United Losing Russo was a blow for Manchester United and a lot of fans were worried about how they were going to fill the hole she left in their forward line. Enter Brazil international Geyse. The 25-year-old made her move to the English club official after Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage. The forward has won the Liga F, Spanish Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League and United’s qualification for European football was surely a factor in her signing for them.
Amanda Ilestedt: Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal The Sweden defender won a bronze medal and the Bronze Ball at the World Cup after being one of the most impressive in the backline throughout the tournament and also scoring four goals. The 30-year-old secured the move to London in June and was the Women’s Super League club’s first signing of the summer. Arsenal’s Swedish manager, Jonas Eidevall, said of the player: “She brings extensive international experience and I believe she has a great mix of presence and technical ability, making her an ideal fit for our squad.”
Allyson Swaby: Angel City to Milan Scored Jamaica’s only World Cup goal at the tournament and it helped her team to the last 16 where they were knocked out by Colombia. After the tournament the defender’s move to Milan from Angel City, after she was loaned to Paris Saint-Germain for part of last season, was confirmed. Angel City said the deal involved an agreed-upon fee but did not disclose the amount. The 26-year-old is familiar with the Serie A after spending three years at Roma from 2018-21.
Catalina Pérez: Avaí to Werder Bremen Colombia goalkeeper Pérez has become a well-known name after her heroics at the World Cup, especially against Germany in the group stage. During the tournament her move from her Brazilian club Avaí to Werder Bremen was confirmed. The 28-year-old said upon signing: “Werder is a traditional club and the Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world. I can’t wait to play there. Discussions with the club have been very good, so I can’t wait to meet the team and try to achieve our goals.”
Hayley Raso: Manchester City to Real Madrid We’ve seen this film before and Real Madrid liked the ending. Caroline Weir moved from Manchester City to the Spanish club and has had a successful time and now it is the turn of Australia international Raso to do the same. The 28-year-old forward, who won the Continental Cup with City in 2022, signed in July before the World Cup, where she shone at her home tournament. She scored three goals and made one assist before the Matildas were knocked out in the semi-finals by England.
Ashley Lawrence: Paris Saint-Germain to Chelsea Other clubs had been circling Canadian defender Lawrence but it was WSL champions Chelsea who managed to sign her. The 28-year-old joined the Blues before heading to the World Cup where Olympic champions Canada exited in the group stage. She will join her Canadian teammate and defender Kadeisha Buchanan in Emma Hayes’ team. Chelsea manager Hayes said of her new acqusition: “Lawrence’s ability to get forward, her progressive play into the final third is a standout strength and she can play on both the left and right side. We’re really looking forward to having her with us.”
Ona Batlle: Manchester United to Barcelona Defender Batlle has not had a bad summer. Securing a move back to her childhood club before going to the World Cup and winning the trophy after beating England in the final – the stuff of dreams. The 24-year-old moved back to Barcelona on a free deal in June after spending three years with United. She said on her return: “I’m really looking forward to it and am excited to share the dressing room and experiences with the players I’ll be with. For me, Barça has always been in my heart and it’s not easy to say no.”
Daphne van Domselaar: FC Twente to Aston Villa Aston Villa were astute with their transfer business last summer by bringing in Rachel Daly, who went on to win the WSL Golden Boot. And Villa’s manager Carla Ward may have hit the jackpot again after signing Dutch goalkeeper Van Domselaar from FC Twente. After being one of the stand-out stars of Euro 2022 the Netherlands’ Van Domselaar was one of the best goalkeepers at the World Cup. Earning her team three clean sheets, and picking up a player of the match award against South Africa, she will slot into the Birmingham club well - replacing Hannah Hampton who has moved to Chelsea.
Five moves that may still happen
Hinata Miyazawa Japan sensation Miyazawa is rumoured to be moving to a European club from the Japanese WE League. The 23-year-old midfielder won the Golden Boot at the World Cup after scoring five goals.
Kyra Cooney-Cross Australia midfielder Cooney-Cross, who helped her team reach the semi-finals, has been linked to WSL clubs. Everton and Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing the 21-year-old from Swedish club Hammarby.
Catalina Usme Colombia captain and midfielder Usme, who scored in the last 16 to send her country to the quarter-finals at the World Cup, has interest from Tigres. She currently plays for América de Cali.
Charlotte Grant Australia international Grant is believed to be of interest to Aston Villa. The 21-year-old defender currently plays for Swedish side Vittsjö.
María Pérez Barcelona are reportedly going to send Spain midfielder and World Cup winner Pérez out on loan to Sevilla for the upcoming season.
