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1 month ago
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The women's world transfer record was broken four times in 2025 -- three times by clubs in the WSL (Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave to Chelsea; Olivia Smith from Liverpool to Arsenal; Grace Geyoro from PSG to London City Lionesses) -- and several big deals went down to the wire on deadline day.
Will January follow the same pattern? Here are grades for all the major 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.
Jan. 5
Smilla Holmberg
Undisclosed
Hammarby: B-
Arsenal: B+
For Hammarby, it is a blow to be losing another talented young full back, though it aligns with the club's long-term model of developing and transferring talent.
For Arsenal, the 18-year-old is not someone who improves their starting XI but will provide first-choice right back Emily Fox with competition and add squad depth ahead of a busy second half of the campaign.
Julie Blakstad
Free
Hammerby: C
Tottenham: A
Blakstad has arguably just enjoyed her best season to date with Hammarby, providing 21 goal involvements (15 goals and six assists) in 26 games, and so her departure will be a huge blow for the Norwegian club.
For Tottenham, however, the 24-year-old is yet another quality addition to bolster their increasingly impressive squad. Blakstad already has WSL experience, having previously spent time at Manchester City, and will bring plenty of attacking intent from the full-back position.
Jan. 4
Maika Hamano
Loan
Chelsea: B
Tottenham: A
Hamano's game time at Chelsea this season has been limited, so this transfer looks like it could be beneficial for all parties. At only 21, the Japan international has already made 45 appearances for Chelsea and is capable of playing in a number of positions across midfield and the forward line.
She was a valuable squad member as Chelsea won the WSL title last season and brings Tottenham plenty of quality as they continue to assemble an exciting squad for the second half of the campaign. - BL
Jan. 2
Signe Gaupset
€430,000 (£378,000, $500,000)
SK Brann: B+
Tottenham: A
Losing a player of Gaupset's quality is undoubtedly a blow for the Norwegian club. However, being able to recoup a significant transfer fee will allow for wider investment in their squad which could prove beneficial in the long term.
Tottenham have been the WSL's surprise package this season and their decision to break their transfer record for Gaupset is reflective of their ambition going forward. The 20-year-old has already worked under head coach Martin Ho at Brann and will add plenty of skill and ingenuity to Spurs' midfield, having registered 15 goals and 14 assists in 26 appearances in Norway last term. -- BL
Lea Schüller
Undisclosed
Bayern Munich: B
Manchester United: A
The heartfelt statement from Bayern confirming Schüller's departure is reflective of the high regard the player is still held in in Munich. Losing someone of her pedigree is a blow but, having enjoyed the striker's talents for more than five years, the German club will at least be grateful to have secured a transfer fee ahead of her contract expiring in the summer.
United's biggest problem this season has been a lack of squad depth and so boosting their forward line with a player of Schüller's quality is exactly what they needed as they bid to secure Champions League qualification again this term. The 28-year-old has scored an impressive 54 goals in 82 appearances for Germany and immediately elevates United's attack after a mixed campaign so far. -- BL
Hanna Lundkvist
Free
San Diego Wave: B-
Manchester United: B+
Lundkvist has been a dependable player for the Wave, making 26 appearances for the club and helping them to a sixth-placed finish in the NWSL regular season. It will be disappointing to lose her on a free transfer, however the player's desire to be closer to home in Europe made her departure inevitable.
United boss Marc Skinner promised January would be an "aggressive" transfer window for the club as they target a strong end to the season both domestically and in Europe. Kickstarting the window with the signing of Lundkvist is shrewd business, with the Sweden international bringing plenty of quality and international experience with her to Manchester. -- BL
