Northern Overview

Barcelona have confirmed that Salma Paralluelo, scorer of two goals in the Champions League final win over Lyon last month, is leaving the club. The European champions had been trying to negotiate a new deal with the Spain international but an agreement has not been reached, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Lyon all among those interested in securing her services on a free transfer.

Chelsea, Arsenal, the Orlando Pride and the London City Lionesses all broke the world record in 2025 alone, as spending in the women's game grows

A quick scroll through the Spain squad to face England in a crucial Women's World Cup qualifier on Friday and there is one team represented more than any other: Barcelona. Eleven of the 25 names selected by Sonia Bermudez are based in Catalunya, with La Roja able to tap into that familiarity in a very impactful way over the years. But a lot is going to change at Barca this summer.

Aitana Bonmati has won each of the last three Ballons d'Or Feminin - but the accolade will go to someone else in 2026. Will it be two-time winner and fellow Barcelona star Alexia Putellas who reasserts herself as the best player in the women's game? Or could there be a new name on the honour roll when the Golden Ball is handed out in Paris in October?