Grace Clinton, Alyssa Thompson, Grace Geyoro and GOAL's transfer grades for the 30 biggest women's deals of the 2025 summer transfer window

For Angel City: It’s not been an easy season so far for Angel City, who find themselves on the outside looking in at the NWSL play-off spots with just a handful of games remaining. Their hopes of breaking into the top eight have been further complicated now by the departure of Thompson, who has been their best player all year. If the club had been able to match the rise of their electric 20-year-old, who they drafted first overall in 2023, then their chances of keeping hold of her on a long-term basis would’ve surely been greater. However, an inability to kick on since entering the NWSL back amid much off-field hype in 2022 means Thompson has outgrown the environment and is ready for a bigger challenge. Grade: F

For Chelsea: In isolation, this is a fantastic signing. Thompson is one of the best young players in the world and the manner in which she grew to become Angel City’s go-to match-winner is great evidence of how well she has developed since entering the NWSL two years ago. If she can continue down that path at Chelsea, where she’ll be exposed to different styles and thus round her game out further, she can be a world-beater. However, it’s hard not to feel like Chelsea needed a more established, proven forward, rather than someone who can become that in time. The Blues are desperately chasing a first Champions League title and they need more elite match-winners in order to get over the line. Again, Thompson can become that, but it would be a lot to expect her to fill that sort of role straight away in her first big move, aged 20. She's a great addition but not exactly what Chelsea needed to round out their window. Grade: B-

For Thompson: There's no doubt that Thompson has earned herself this sort of transfer with the form she has shown for Angel City. Her performances for the U.S. women's national team have only further highlighted what a talent she is, too. There is growing concern about how prolific Chelsea are becoming at snapping up top young players as of late, with it starting to move from a healthy number to more of a stockpiling one, but the seven-figure fee paid for Thompson shows she is in a different category in that sense and should see plenty of game time. It's important that she does, too, in order to allow her development to continue in this promising manner. The 20-year-old is about to take on a new experience, come up against different types of opponent and be presented with different challenges. As long as she gets good game time - and Sonia Bompastor is a great manager for young talent - this can be a fantastic move for her. Grade: A

For PSG: This is a massive blow for PSG - but it has been coming. It's only two years ago that Geyoro was incredibly close to leaving the club, with Chelsea heavily linked to the midfielder. Fortunately for PSG, they survived that scare and tied their captain down to a new deal until 2028. However, the Parisians just have not kicked on in the time since, falling well short of challenging Lyon for domestic titles while failing to make a mark in the Champions League. Geyoro is a world-class player and it's understandable for her to have grown frustrated with the situation. In a summer that has also seen Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Korbin Albert depart to strengthen bitter rivals Lyon, for OL owner Michele Kang to now bolster another of her clubs with Geyoro is a bitter, bitter blow. It should serve as a wake-up call for a women's team that continues to underperform. Grade: F 

For London City Lionesses: This is an incredible signing. There are a lot of questions about just how London City will gel, having signed almost an entirely new squad over the summer, but there is no question that they have recruited insanely well. Kang has been putting so many clubs to shame with her remarkable investment in the newly-promoted side and they will have a genuinely world-class midfielder at the heart of their bid to be seriously competitive on their WSL debut. Grade: A+

For Geyoro: It's no great surprise to see Geyoro finally leave PSG given all the shortcomings outlined above. It is a shock, however, to see her join London City. Now, this is not like any newly-promoted team. The Lionesses are backed by Kang's incredible ambition and finances, making them very different. That said, it will be tough to immediately challenge for trophies and European football. It must be a relief for Geyoro, though, to be at a club with such incredible aims, having spent so long at one that continues to stand still. It might not seem like an immediate upgrade for her but, over time, it looks likely to be. Grade: B

For City: Though the news of this deal was a shock at first, it does make some sense on City's end. Their squad lacks natural, proven midfielders and swapping Park - who is not always best-suited to that position against some opponents - for Clinton addresses that without leaving them light in attack, as they have plenty of options in that area. Grade: B

For United: Marc Skinner has made no secret of his desire to add more forwards in this transfer window and this does that, with Park offering something totally different to the rest of the attackers United have. She has big experience, her best years ahead of her and can also play in midfield if necessary, ensuring there remains cover for Ella Toone. To lose Clinton at the same time, though, makes this move tough to grade well as it means United still lack the necessary depth to compete in four competitions. Grade: D

For Park: It's hard to grade this move for either player. While Park is joining a side that had a much better season than City last year, and thus has Champions League football on the calendar, it doesn't feel like a step-up. After all, both Manchester clubs have been on a similar level over the last few years, unable to be a constant on the continent or win many domestic honours. It's also a switch that seems likely to see her play out wide more, rather than through the middle, given Toone's presence in the No.10 role and United's desire to bring in more forwards. Right now, it's unclear if that will be better for her or not. Grade: C

For Clinton: Similarly, this is not a massive step up for Clinton, though her comments about not being on the same page as United suggest it's a little more a positive for her to have swapped clubs. There were a lot of questions last season about how Skinner would accommodate both Toone and Clinton and it sometimes resulted in one being benched or playing out wide. City, however, clearly have a particular vision in mind for how the latter fits into their XI, or they would not have conducted this deal. That is another positive for Clinton, though she will still likely have to compete with Sydney Lohmann, one of City's biggest summer signings, for a place in the line-up. Grade: C+

For Arsenal: Renee Slegers' squad was looking quite well-stocked going into the new season, but this move suddenly leaves them much lighter in midfield. There are ways they can adjust to cope with this departure from a numbers perspective, with the likes of Frida Maanum and Victoria Pelova able to play deeper where necessary, but an injury here or there in what is expected to be another demanding season across four fronts could leave them with a real issue. That's before getting to the loss of Walti as a player and person. The Switzerland star, who was one of Arsenal's captains, might not have started lots last season but she was often a game-changing introduction as a substitute if not excelling as a starter, bringing her experience and composure on the ball to big moments. This is a blow both on and off the pitch for the European champions. Grade: D

For Juventus: Arsenal's loss is Juventus' gain, with the Italian champions set to add an extremely intelligent and experienced midfielder to their starting XI. No one in Juve's squad in that area of the park is close to Walti in terms of the level and leadership she can bring to the table, meaning this represents a serious upgrade in a vital position while also providing the younger, more inexperienced midfielders with someone to learn from. It's hard to pick many faults in this move from a Juventus perspective. Grade: A

For Walti: It makes sense that Walti would want to leave Arsenal at this point. She departs on an incredible high, having helped the Gunners to win the Champions League back in May, and now has the opportunity to be a regular starter and a key figure again at a big club, in Juventus. She hasn't been that in north London as of late and the feeling that this is a big season for Kyra Cooney-Cross, the 23-year-old who is nine years Walti's junior, makes it difficult to see that changing. It's the right time for her, even if it's a blow to Arsenal. Grade: A

For London City Lionesses: With Saki Kumagai seemingly set to continue at centre-back, the recruitment of Katie Zelem gives London City Lionesses a boost in experience in the holding midfield role ahead of their WSL debut. Zelem arrives with a ton of experience of the league, first as part of Liverpool's back-to-back title-winning campaigns and later as the Manchester United captain, and can be an important figure for young Maria Perez, who joined the club from Barcelona last year. Grade: B

For Angel City: This move never quite worked out for Angel City. Zelem had some moments in her first half-season in Los Angeles last year and was a valuable member of the team off the pitch, nominated for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award back in May. However, she struggled to firmly establish herself in ACFC's XI, with only six of her 15 appearances this season coming as starts. To get a fee for the midfielder as the two part ways is a positive, then, with this move seeming to make sense for all in the end. Grade: C

For Zelem:She tried something new by moving to the U.S. but given the situation Zelem found herself in with playing time this season, and the attractive project at London City, it's perhaps no surprise she has decided to return to England this summer. It's unclear if this is a move that can revive her international career, with her not called up by Sarina Wiegman since December 2023 despite the Lionesses seriously lacking depth in that holding midfield role. But Zelem is likely to get back playing on a regular basis and that's at least one step in the right direction in that sense. Grade: B

For Atletico Madrid: Ajibade has been one of the most consistently dangerous forwards in Liga F since she signed for Atletico back in 2021 but while the club from the capital continued to struggle to challenge for trophies and Champions League football on a regular basis, it always felt likely that they would lose the Nigeria international when her contract came up this summer. That's because Ajibade is more than good enough to be turning out for a big club that can offer her that. In the end, Atleti's lack of meaningful progress has cost them a top player - and without a fee to cushion the blow. Grade: F

For PSG: After losing Kadidiatou Diani to Lyon last summer, PSG have lacked game-changing energy in the forward line and while Ajibade is not a direct replica of the Frenchwoman, she will help address that issue. It's been another summer of change for the Parisians, with Marie-Antoinette Katoto the latest to leave for Lyon while a new manager has had to be appointed following Fabrice Abriel's departure at the back end of last season. There's still quality in this squad, though, and Ajibade certainly helps to improve it with her exciting arrival. Grade: A

For Ajibade: Player of the Tournament as Nigeria won this summer's Africa Cup of Nations, there's no doubt Ajibade has the talent to improve the squad of any top club. PSG might not guarantee silverware quite like some others but they will challenge more consistently for trophies than Atletico did, while almost always qualifying for the Champions League. As such, this represents a notable step-up for Ajibade, who is still only 25 years old. Prove herself in Paris, where the playing style should suit hers, and she could be going up another level soon enough. Grade: A

For Tigres: It was always a question of when, rather than if, Tigres lost Ovalle, and the main thing for the club was to avoid doing so on a free transfer. In the end, they hung onto the talented forward for longer than anticipated, with many expecting her to depart back in January, and also got a world-record fee to cushion the blow of her eventual exit. It's always going to hurt to see such a star leave, but it's fair to say the club has been well-compensated here. It's good business for a deal that was inevitable. Grade: B

For Orlando Pride: After scoring plenty on their way to a first-ever NWSL Championship last year, the goals have dried up a little bit for Orlando this year. What better way to address that ahead of the business end of the season than by adding one of the most exciting attacking players on the planet to the roster, then? Yes, the Pride has forked out quite a fee for Ovalle, setting a new world record by paying $1.5m (£1.1m) for her signature, but that money brings in an extremely talented player who is soon to enter the best years of her career. If she can fire the club to more trophies, that outlay will be more than justified, with her signing capable of being a difference-making one ahead of the post-season. Grade: A

For Ovalle: Most expected the next chapter of the 25-year-old's career to take place across the Atlantic, with essentially every top club in Europe linked with Ovalle over the course of the past year. Instead, she heads north of the border to a Pride team that should suit her well. There is no shortage of star talent in Orlando, with Barbra Banda and Marta also on the roster, and the Mexico international should thrive playing alongside incredible quality like that in attack. Grade: A

For Arsenal: This is a move that may well frustrate some Arsenal fans, who wanted to see Agyemang shining in their colours after her incredible Euro 2025. However, the Gunners play with one striker and the 19-year-old is not going to start over Alessia Russo, so it does make sense for her to go out on loan to get a greater share of minutes. When at Brighton last season, Agyemang didn't start much, but one would imagine that will change this time around, given Nikita Parris' departure and the fact that Arsenal have accepted this loan move as a suitable next step for their talented teenager. Grade: A

For Brighton:Head coach Dario Vidosic has quite a particular and unique style of play, and so for him to be able to bring Agyemang back after she had already got to grips with his demands last season will ensure some consistency and continuity in the side. That is a valuable thing given the number of ins and outs at Brighton this summer. The 19-year-old should be able to go up another level this season, too, having largely been used as a sub by the Seagulls last term. It might only be a short-term deal, but it makes total sense for Brighton to jump at the chance to bring back a game-changer like Agyemang, who has only got better in the last few months. Grade: A

For Agyemang: Sometimes, young players go out on a variety of different loan spells and never really get to settle into a groove that allows them to develop, with them hopping around different systems, styles and roles. That can have it's benefits, sure, but Agyemang's return to Brighton feels extremely positive in terms of trying to help her go to the next level as a WSL player because of the continuity it offers. She knows what will be asked of her in the team and, having been exposed to that as a sub last year, should be able to take steps forward this season which will move her even closer towards a first-team breakthrough at Arsenal. Grade: A

For Barcelona: This one has hurt a lot of fans and it will hurt Barca, too. In a pure financial sense, it is good for the club, as it helps to address those issues which have created concern at the start of the new season for both the men’s and women’s teams. However, Fernandez is an excellent young prospect who has such a bright future, potentially as one of the best players in her position. So not only is the fact she has had to leave her childhood club because of off-pitch problems a real sad sight, it’s also a big blow to a Barcelona squad that is seriously lacking depth as the 2025-26 campaign gets underway. Grade: F

For London City Lionesses:The newly-promoted WSL club have made a real splash in this transfer market but it will take a lot to top this transfer. London City have snapped up one of the most promising young defenders in the sport, someone who has huge experience at the highest level despite still being just 23 years old. This is a great signing for the present but also the future, given how good Fernandez could be. Grade: A

For Fernandez: This is a tough one to grade as Fernandez won’t have wanted to leave her childhood club, certainly not like this. However, a new challenge abroad can be good for her development, as can the amount of game time she will get in London when compared with her developing role in Catalunya. There’s nothing to suggest this will be a bad move for a player who can make good progress towards her potential in the WSL, it's just always going to be a downgrade to leave Barca. Grade: B-

For Barcelona: It's been a frustrating summer for fans of Barcelona's women's team, with the financial struggles of the men's side finally having an impact on them it seems. For so long, Barca Femeni were thriving despite the mess of their male counterparts, with other sections of the club, such as the basketball team, dealt hits in order for financial regulations to be met. This summer, though, it's been a different story, with fans concerned about the number of departures being allowed from Catalunya in order to cut down the wage bill. Rolfo's final season at Barca might not have been the best of her four, but she is still a big loss in terms of quality and experience. Grade: F

For Man Utd: This is exactly the sort of signing Man Utd need to be making in order to compete for major honours in England and really establish themselves in the women's game. The Red Devils have made progress over the last few years, in order to finish in those Champions League qualifying spots and win a first major title, in the form of the FA Cup. But in order to take that next leap and really challenge the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal at the very top of the domestic game, they need to continue to upgrade the squad. Rolfo does exactly that, bringing plenty of experience of winning but, most significantly, incredible quality that can decide the biggest matches. Grade: A+

For Rolfo: It's not a dig at Man Utd to say this is a bit of a step back for Rolfo, as she has just left a Barcelona team that has played in all of the last five Champions League finals - winning three of them. She isn't going to be racking up the trophies with her new club quite like she did in Catalunya and, before that, in her time with Wolfsburg. However, she will be a huge star and one of the most high-profile names in this squad, with there a lot of onus on her to be that match-winner and leader, given her accomplishments and experience. It's a change of pace in terms of what the club are trying to achieve, as they are not the established power that her last two clubs were, but, given her comments upon arrival, that's a challenge she is excited for. Plus, United are not a million miles away. It's very feasible that she can help them go to the next level and enjoy success. Grade: B-

For Bayern Munich: While Zigiotti is an excellent player, this is no huge loss for Bayern. The Swede wasn't a key player during her only season at the club and although there has been a change of manager in Munich this summer, that she has been moved on suggests she was not part of Jose Barcala's plans. For the German champions to pick up a fee in the process is a bonus. This just made sense for both the club and, in truth, all parties. Grade: C

For Man Utd: Looking at the Red Devils' squad, midfield wouldn't have been the obvious position many would've pointed out as one that needed strengthening. There's certainly more need for depth in defence and more firepower up top if this squad is to compete across four fronts this season. That said, Zigiotti certainly lifts the quality in the middle of the park. A tidy technician with great awareness, she makes this team better and that's positive, even if it's not in a position of desperate need. Grade: B

For Zigiotti Olme: Having struggled to become a regular starter at Bayern last season, Zigiotti will get the chance to be exactly that at Man Utd. The two clubs are not on the same level, with the German champions getting their hands on silverware and qualifying for the Champions League much more regularly than United. However, if Zigiotti can help the Red Devils get through to the UWCL proper for the first time over the next couple of months, then she will still be playing for a top club that has European football and is challenging for trophies. That's a good deal for her. Grade: B

For Liverpool: Having only signed Smith last summer, Liverpool would've hoped to get more than just one season out of her. Unfortunately, though, it's hard to keep her talent a secret, especially from the team that fell victim to her magic in the FA Cup a few months ago. To receive such a massive fee for the Canada international at least cushions the blow, though it's vital for the Reds to spend that money wisely to not only replace her in attack, but improve several areas of the squad. For now, it's good business despite the big loss. If they waste the money on poor signings, though, it won't be. We'll have to wait and see. Grade: C+

For Arsenal: Some might've expected the first million pound player to be a household name, a proven superstar who had no risk of failing to justify such a tremendous fee. Smith isn't that quite yet. What Arsenal are doing here is paying for potential, which the 20-year-old has bags of, and it's vital that head coach Renee Slegers and her staff take the right approach when it comes to her development in order to ensure she is the success story she is capable of being. There's no doubt about her talent and application and most will back her to thrive in north London. It's not a given though, which, when combined with the bumper fee, is what stops Arsenal from getting a better grade. Grade: B

For Smith: In what was just her first season at Liverpool, there was already a feeling that Smith was ready to take another step forward this summer. She outgrew the challenge at Sporting CP after one year and if that wasn't blatantly the case with the Reds last term too, the evidence was there to suggest she would do soon enough. Arsenal feels like the right-sized step forward. There is enough room in the squad for her to get significant game time right away but this is still an elite club, one crowned European champions just last month. It'll be interesting to see how she handles the pressure of the transfer fee and the step up but as a player with a reputation for having a good head on her shoulders, it'd be a surprise if that impacts her. She's ready for this challenge. Grade: A

For Chelsea: Sadly, this move never quite worked out. Fishel showed some good signs after arriving to be Sam Kerr’s back-up at centre forward in 2023 but an ACL injury only a few months later really set her back. With Kerr suffering the same devastating fate, the Blues had to beef up their striker options while both were out, knocking Fishel down the pecking order. A move like this made sense for all parties and the fact Chelsea recouped some of the $250,000 (£196,000) they paid for the American helps bump their grade up. Grade: C

For Seattle Reign: This is a smart move by a Seattle side that has not scored enough goals in the NWSL so far this season. Placed sixth through the first 13 games of 2025, the Reign have made a solid start to the campaign, but they will need to find the back of the net more regularly if they are to continue to push up the table and become a real threat in the post-season. Only four sides have scored fewer times and all of them are in the bottom five. To continue to mix it with the best, they need to be deadlier in attack, and Fishel - though without NWSL experience - is a player who can help in that regard. Grade: B

For Fishel: Though it must have been tempting to stay at Chelsea and try and push for a place in one of the best teams in Europe, it made total sense for Fishel to leave this summer. There's still a need for caution, given it's less than four months since she returned from that ACL injury, but the 24-year-old needs to be at a club where consistent game time is more likely to be obtained, especially if she is to push for minutes at national team level, where the attack is extremely competitive. She can be a star in Seattle. Grade: B

For Bayern Munich: Things have been quite up and down for Lohmann at Bayern Munich in recent years. There's no doubt about her talent and quality, that much is for sure, but injuries have been one contributing factor in her not showing it as often as she would've liked, as has competition for places. So, while Bayern are losing a top player, that Lohmann hasn't made a huge impact in terms of her on-pitch contributions for a couple of years now minimises the hit it is to the German champions. Grade: C

For Man City: If Lohmann stays fit, she could be exactly what City need after Jill Roord's shock departure. A fantastic passer, mover and worker, the Germany international has the ability to impact play both in and out of possession, with goals and assists but also great pressing and battling. An all-round talent, she bolsters a midfield that needs help and also brings a lot of winning experience to a team that needs to go up a level. Grade: B

For Lohmann: It won't have been an easy decision for Lohmann to leave a club she has been with since the age of 16, but a different environment and a new challenge, on and off the pitch, might be exactly what she needs to kick on in her career. Despite being renowned as a real talent, the 25-year-old is yet to fully establish herself in a big way. While that is in part due to niggling injuries here and there, a new league and a different style of football can also help improve her game in a way that helps her take things up a notch. Grade: B

For Barcelona: There was never any real risk or expectation attached to this move for Barca, with Cata Coll secure in her No.1 role at the club and a whole host of young academy products adding depth to the goalkeeper position while Roebuck worked her way back from suffering a type of stroke. She made a couple of appearances in Catalunya, but was unable to really assert herself on the team, leading to the termination of her contract after only one of the two years agreed. It didn’t work out, but not in a way that impacted Barca negatively, with it making sense for both to move on. Grade: C

For Aston Villa: If Roebuck can play week-in, week-out, this is a spectacular signing for Villa. The England international was arguably the best in the country in her position for large parts of her Manchester City tenure, before a breakdown in the relationship with head coach Gareth Taylor and her own health issues marred the end of that chapter. Roebuck was a regular in matchday squads at Barca, suggesting she is in a good place again with her fitness, and if she can show some sharpness and work her way back to her top level in the Midlands, then Villa could have one of the best shot-stoppers in the division between the sticks. There are a lot of 'ifs' there, but on a free transfer, it’s absolutely a deal worth doing. Grade B

For Roebuck: After training with one of the world’s best teams last year, and getting herself into a position to be part of matchday squads on a regular basis, this move will require Roebuck to take that next step and perform in games on a weekly basis. She showed good glimpses in rare appearances in Catalunya, though, and Villa feels like a good place to move forward. It’s a club with a little less pressure in terms of overall expectations and it has a squad that already includes an established international goalkeeper, in Sabrina D’Angelo, meaning there is a suitable back-up if Roebuck needs time. Perform well, however, and there's every reason to back the England international to return to the Lionesses' picture. Grade: B

For Ajax: After losing talented defender Isa Kardinaal to London City Lionesses, Ajax have been dealt another serious blow with Yohannes’ exit. Given the club’s place in the women’s - and men’s - football food chain, the departures won’t be huge shocks, and both players have commanded a transfer fee. Indeed, technical director Alex Kroes has described both as great deals for Ajax, which suggests they have been well compensated. Still, for a club that is trying to dethrone Twente as the dominant force in the Netherlands and gain regular exposure to European football, it’s tough to lose two key players at once. Grade: C

For Lyon: This is a real coup for Lyon, given Chelsea were reported to be at the front of the queue when it came to Yohannes’ next club. OL have lost a few midfielders this summer, with all of Sara Dabritz, Danielle van de Donk and Dzsenifer Marozsan leaving upon the expiry of their contracts. By bringing in Korbin Albert and now Yohannes, though, they are restocking that area of the park with an eye on both the present and the future. Yohannes is still raw at 18 years old, but she’s played a lot of senior football in the last few seasons, including on the international stage with the United States, and shown in those performances that she can reach the top of the game. Now, it’s up to Lyon to continue to guide her there. Grade: A

For Yohannes: In Lyon, Yohannes is joining a club that will focus on her development while also giving her the opportunity to experience the very top levels of the game. That’s the dream for a young player. Melchie Dumornay, Selma Bacha and Alice Sombath are all examples in OL’s current squad of success stories in that regard, and Yohannes has the potential to follow in their footsteps to become a key player on the biggest stages. It’s not going to be easy, especially with her making the step from a club that doesn’t play in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, but she is capable and going into the right environment. Grade: A

For PSG: It’s a familiar tale for PSG, who have lost yet another key player to Lyon. The Parisians are the perennial bridesmaids in French women’s football and it certainly doesn’t help their cause that they keep losing talent to their biggest rivals. Aged 21, Albert has the potential to grow into a much more imperious midfielder, but she’ll now do that with the top side in France, rather than the one trying to bring them down. Grade: D

For Lyon: This is maybe a slightly surprising move by Lyon as it feels like Albert has room to grow before she can thrive for one of the best teams in Europe, which OL are. That said, she arrives on a free transfer, meaning there is little-to-no risk on Lyon’s side, and she is still only 21 years old. The French champions have a good track record of developing young players, too, and will hope to continue that with Albert. Grade: B-

For Albert: This is a huge move for the United States international, who will be representing the most successful club in Women’s Champions League history when the new season gets under way. It’s a switch which will require the 21-year-old to really step up and show that she can go up new levels, but she’s going to have so many top talents and seasoned winners to learn from as she bids to do so. It’s a serious honour to play for a club with as much rich history and burning ambition as Lyon, and Albert is going to get that. Grade: A

For Lyon: Carpenter is one of the best players in the world in her position and still only 25 years old, so to lose her is a real blow for the French champions. The negative impact of her departure is at least softened by the arrival of Ashley Lawrence, the Canada international who comes over from Chelsea herself and will be able to slot right into the void at right-back. Lawrence never set the world alight in London, but that felt at least in part due to her inconsistent game time and she will be a strong replacement for Carpenter and offers plenty in both attack and defence, though doesn't hold the world-class status of her predecessor. Grade: C+

For Chelsea: The Blues didn't necessarily need a right-back this summer, with Lucy Bronze having played well there last season and Lawrence another capable option, but Carpenter's arrival certainly upgrades the position. She is eight years younger than Bronze and arrives knowing exactly what will be expected of her by Sonia Bompastor, having worked under the Frenchwoman at Lyon. This feels like a statement signing in Chelsea's pursuit of that Champions League title, which Carpenter has won twice. Grade: A

For Carpenter: After five years at Lyon, this move represents an exciting new challenge for Carpenter. The Australia international won everything possible at OL, several times over, and will now be exposed to a new, more competitive domestic league that should refine her qualities and all-round game in different ways. It's not easy to leave a club like Lyon and not take a backwards step, but Chelsea are one of Europe's elite and she will hope to be part of them getting over the line on the continent. Grade: A

For Manchester City: It's a shame how things have unfolded between Kelly and City over the past year. This is the club where the winger really took her game to the next level and established herself as one of the best in her position in the country. However, a sudden lack of preference for Kelly from then-head coach Gareth Taylor led to a situation where the player just needed to get out. As Taylor left his position while Kelly was on loan at Arsenal, some City fans might've been hopeful of the England international returning. But given she claimed that the club was 'briefing journalists against me' as she secured a deadline day loan move back in January, it never felt likely. The Cityzens' loss is Arsenal's gain, with Kelly now looking set to continue to thrive for one of their biggest domestic rivals. Grade: F

For Arsenal: Given how much of an impact Kelly made after signing on loan earlier this year, this deal - on a free transfer - was a no-brainer for Arsenal. The 27-year-old fit into the environment and the team seamlessly, understanding exactly what Renee Slegers wanted and excelling in her team. There's no much more to say about it; this is an excellent signing. Grade: A

For Kelly: After joining Arsenal in January, Kelly repeatedly spoke about how playing for the Gunners had put a smile back on her face following the difficult situation in Manchester. So, when it emerged that the north London club had first refusal on her signature this summer, it was no surprise. Kelly loved her time back in the capital, playing for a club that puts her in a position to thrive and allows her the opportunity to compete for top honours. To stay made perfect sense. Grade: A

For Lyon: Having been a rather regular starter but not a significantly key player for Lyon, it was no huge shock that Van de Donk left the club this summer after three seasons in France. She enjoyed a new experience, lifted plenty of silverware and now gets to embark on a new chapter in what feels like a departure that feels timely for both parties. Grade: C

For London City: What a coup this is for the newly-promoted WSL side! The last time Van de Donk was in England, she was thriving as a creative and combative midfielder with Arsenal, helping to deliver the Gunners’ first - and still only - WSL title since 2012. Now 33 years old, London City will hope she can add those qualities to their team as well, while also providing some valuable experience to a side looking to avoid becoming the third team in a row to win the second-tier title and then be relegated from the WSL right away. Grade: A

For Van de Donk: In one sense, this looks like a step back for Van de Donk. Last season, she was in the Champions League semi-finals, 90 minutes away from the showpiece event of that competition with Lyon. This term, she could well be in a relegation battle. But London City - backed by the huge financial might of Michele Kang, who also owns Lyon, incidentally - harbour ambitions of much more than that. This is a club with eyes on the top half of the WSL table and, in the very near future, Europe. A lot of teams have talked big over the years, though, and not been able to back it up on the pitch. Van de Donk clearly believes London City can avoid that trap and that she can be part of something special in the English capital. Only time will tell if that is the case, but if she’s right it’ll certainly be exciting to experience. Grade: B

For Barcelona: Engen might not have been the star this past season that she was the previous year at Barca, when she excelled at centre-back while the Catalans won the Champions League, but her departure is still significant for the Spanish champions. Though the Norway international wasn’t seen as a key component by new coach Pere Romeu, she still offered a reliable option at both centre-back and in holding midfield when rotation was necessary. Now, the club needs to adequately replace her and ensure the squad remains well-stocked for the new campaign. Grade: D

For Lyon: Having lost Vanessa Gilles to Bayern Munich this summer, Lyon needed to reinforce the centre-back position and they’ve done exactly that by recruiting Engen. She also offers an option in midfield if needed and brings a ton of experience with her, having won two Champions League titles with Barcelona and enjoyed success at Wolfsburg, too. She knows exactly what it takes to excel at the highest level, then, which is vital when joining a club like Lyon. Grade: A

For Engen: It’s hard to make a move that is seen as a step up when leaving a club like Barca, but this feels like a fantastic transfer for a player who deserves to be an important starter for an elite side. Engen has consistently shown what a top talent she is on the biggest stages over the years and this switch should allow her to do that while being a key player in a team challenging for the Champions League. Grade: A

For Lyon: Things just didn’t quite work out for Lyon and Dabritz. The Germany international won plenty of trophies during her three seasons with the French giants, but she couldn’t quite establish herself as a key player or a regular starter, making it no surprise that the two parties have gone their separate ways this summer. Given Dabritz arrived on a free, it was never a risky move, and certainly isn’t a huge failure, with it the right thing for both to try something new. Grade: C

For Real Madrid: With Germany international midfielder Melanie Leupolz announcing her retirement this summer, the arrival of Dabritz fills a necessary gap in that position for Madrid. Arriving with plenty of experience and having still shown her unquestionable quality when she got the chance to do so at Lyon, Dabritz is a classy footballer who will bring plenty to the table in the middle of the park in the Spanish capital. Grade: B

For Dabritz: Given her inability to really stamp her authority on that Lyon team, it was unlikely Dabritz was going to be courted by the absolute elite teams in Europe this summer, instead securing a move to a Real Madrid side in a slightly lower tier. It won’t be easy in the Spanish capital, given Barca’s dominance of the domestic game, but Dabritz has experience of a situation like that at Paris Saint-Germain and is now set to embark on a new challenge after thriving in both Germany and France. She’ll hope she can do something similar in Spain. Grade: C

For Real Madrid: It’s been a tumultuous summer for Real Madrid, who have witnessed several key departures from the first team as well as a change in the dugout. Of all the exits, though, to lose Carmona - and on a free - is surely the most impactful. Club captain and a star player, the Spain international will be hard to replace as both a footballer and a leader as this club continues to underwhelm in its bid to make a sizeable mark on the women’s game. Grade: F

For PSG: Since Sakina Karchaoui has been pushed up the pitch to be more of an asset in attack, PSG haven’t had a consistently brilliant option at left-back. Tara Elimbi has shown promising signs but remains a young prospect, the kind of which can certainly learn from someone like Carmona. The Spain star’s addition adds depth and experience, as well as potency to the attack, with her crossing ability and tendency to find the back of the net herself. Grade: A

For Carmona: While this move sees Carmona leave the underwhelming project at Madrid behind, she does move to another rather disappointing one at PSG. Just as Las Blancas have become the perennial bridesmaid in the Spanish women’s game, the Parisians are exactly that in France, unable to consistently challenge Lyon just as Real have struggled to get close to Barca. Carmona is joining another big club with a lot of ambition, but one that so often shoots itself in the foot. Grade: C

For Man City: This transfer has been one of the worst kept secrets of the past season, and yet the lack of shock at Aleixandri’s departure doesn’t make it any less of a blow fo City. Yes, the Spain star wasn’t her absolute best last year, after certainly being at that level during the previous campaign, but that was also down to injuries of her own and the many around her that derailed City’s defensive stability. Aleixandri is a fantastic centre-back who was also an asset for the English side at right-back, left-back and in holding midfield, offering versatility that was vital when that list of absentees grew exponentially. Her departure also sees a real leader head out the exit door, in what is a tough bit of news for City fans, especially given it occurred on a free. Grade: D

For Barcelona: There’s a lot of uncertainty around the centre-back positions at Barcelona right now. Irene Paredes, out of contract but set to sign a new one, wasn’t at her usual high level last season; the club are reportedly open to offers for Mapi Leon, one of the best in her position in the world, if not the best; and Ingrid Engen has left for Lyon. To bring in Aleixandri on a free, then, is superb business, given her undoubtedly quality but particularly her understanding of the Barcelona philosophy, after she came through the youth set-up in Catalunya. Grade: B+

For Aleixandri: It likely pained Aleixandri to leave Barca when she was just 16, as she signed for Atletico Madrid in order to play first team football. To return to the club of her childhood, then, will be a personal triumph as well as a professional one. There’s no doubt it is the latter, after all, given the Catalans have made six of the last seven Champions League finals. She’s joining one of the best teams in the world and is likely to be a key player. Grade: A

For Hoffenheim: It was always a matter of when, rather than if, Alber would depart Hoffenheim, but perhaps the club would’ve hoped they could cling onto her for another year after injuries kept her a little more under the radar last season. Nonetheless, the German side have picked up what they have described as a ‘substantial’ fee from Chelsea in this deal, which will cushion the blow a little. That was likely always the best they could’ve hoped for when it came to Alber’s future. Grade: B+

For Chelsea: This is yet another example of Chelsea’s recent emphasis on the scouting and recruitment of young, up-and-coming talent as they continue to aim to develop these prospects into top-class, established starters for one of the best teams in Europe. Maika Hamano and Wieke Kaptein are notable success stories of the previous two years in that regard, and there is every reason to believe Alber, who ranked fourth on the 2024 NXGN list, can follow suit given her unquestionable ability. It’s unlikely that the 19-year-old comes in straight away and makes a big impact on the first team, given the competition for places in the forward areas in particular, and perhaps a loan spell will beckon first. However, Alber has the potential to be a real star in the near future - and Chelsea have nipped in and picked her up before any other European giant. Grade: A

For Alber: It’s always a tough decision for a young player to make when they outgrow a slightly smaller club and are ready to make the leap to a giant of the game. Alber, though, looks to have made a fantastic decision by joining a Chelsea project that has such an emphasis on the development of young players. Sonia Bompastor will be a great coach for her to work with, given her track record in that department, and there are recent examples of players who have successfully walked the path that she will be expected to follow. There are going to be plenty of challenges along the way, but Alber is capable of rising to them. Grade: A

For PSG: It's long been expected that Katoto would eventually outgrow a PSG side that is almost always the bridesmaid and never the bride in France, and this year was finally the moment for her to leave after tensions persisted all season between herself and former coach Fabrice Abriel. The Parisians probably would've liked to have obtained a fee for their all-time top goal-scorer, who, at 26 years old, is still to enter her prime, so to lose her on a free will be frustrating. It cannot hold a candle to the ultimate disappointment of the move, though, as it is PSG's biggest rivals and the team that so often stops them winning silverware that Katoto is joining. Grade: F

For Lyon: To pick up an elite goal-scorer who is only 26 years old on a free transfer is a fantastic piece of business. For it to also weaken your biggest domestic rivals is simply a bonus. This is a faultless move by Lyon, though it will be interesting to see how Katoto fits into their team. Melchie Dumornay shone as the central striker for OL this term, with her relocation to midfield in the Champions League defeat to Arsenal at least a factor in that exit. How will this work with Dumornay, Katoto and also Ada Hegerberg? That a problem for new head coach Jonatan Giraldez to solve - and, really, it's not a bad one to have, is it? Grade: A

For Katoto: A player of Katoto's quality deserves to be winning trophies on a regular basis and this move should allow her to do so. Given Lyon are always competing in the latter stages of the Champions League, it should also expose her to the kind of experiences that will only allow her to grow further, too. She looks set to play the prime years of her career with one of the best clubs in Europe; that's the dream for any top player. Grade: A

For Man City: This was a transfer that caught a lot of people out, until Roord made it clear that it was one aimed at helping her enjoy football again. Away from home for so many years, returning to Twente, her childhood club, was what she needed at this moment and there's seemingly little City could do about that. That doesn't stop this from being a huge blow for the English side, though, even if they've received an undisclosed fee. Roord is a top, top midfielder who is a real asset on both sides of the ball. Now, they'll have to find a suitable replacement. Grade: F

For Twente: What a coup this is. Roord is still right in her prime as a top international player and now she can bring those qualities to a Twente side that plays in a division that is certainly not considered one of the 'Big Five' in Europe. That might not be such a big deal for their domestic ambitions, with the club having asserted itself as the dominant force in the Netherlands in recent years, but it could offer a serious boost to their hopes on the continent. Twente responded to three successive exits in Champions League qualifying by reaching the group stage last year, and Roord's experience and talent could help them make that a regular occurrence. Grade: A+

For Roord: Returning back home and to play for the club of her heart is a move that makes perfect sense for a player who is trying to rediscover her love of the game. Roord is a fantastic footballer and hopefully this is exactly what she needs to feel some joy in the sport again. Only time will tell if it works, but it's pleasing to see her giving it a go, rather than opting to change nothing and prioritising her career over her happiness. Playing at the top level with City certainly makes more sense for her football but, given what she has said since the move, this makes more sense for her as a person. Grade: B

For Wolfsburg: Brand is a player that arrived at Wolfsburg as an exciting young talent, but hasn't really gone to the new heights that were expected of her during her time in Lower Saxony. As such, it isn't a huge blow to the German giants for her to leave, though it is more a question of what could have been with the 22-year-old. Again, it'll be no surprise if she shines elsewhere, but it does feel like changes were needed for both parties this summer. Grade: C

For Lyon: There is reason to believe that Lyon can be the club that helps Brand take that next step. Though a star-studded side who have a lot of big names in their ranks, the eight-time European champions also have a strong history of signing and developing young talents. Jonatan Giraldez, Lyon's new coach, also has a great track record in that regard. Get it all right with Brand and they could have another game-changing forward at their disposal. It might be a slightly risky transfer, as it isn't guaranteed to work out, but it's worth it on a free, for sure. Grade: B

For Brand: Again, the history both Lyon and Giraldez have when it comes to developing young talent bodes well for Brand, even if the French club might seem like a strange landing spot for some on first impression. It's not guaranteed to work out and there is more pressure in making this move than there would be if the 22-year-old opted to take a metaphorical step down and join a team that wasn't as steeped in winning. However, she has the potential to be a top player in this sport and she is backing herself to prove that here. It also says a lot about Brand's talent that Lyon were keen to bring her in despite her not setting the world alight at Wolfsburg. Grade: B

For Wolfsburg: Wolfsburg are seemingly going for a full reset this summer, with a whole host of notable names being let go as free agents while head coach Tommy Stroot is also departing. That stands to be a good thing for a number of clubs, as the German giants have said goodbye to a lot of quality, including Jonsdottir. While some might see her departure as a blow to the club, the Iceland international hasn't really kicked on since her breakthrough a few years ago. Given she is not alone in that regard, it's fair to question whether that is related to Wolfsburg rather than the player herself, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Jonsdottir enjoy success elsewhere. However, the two-time European champions have been treading water for a while and this mass change could be just what they need. Grade: C

For Angel City: There is a lot for Angel City fans to be excited about when it comes to this transfer, which has been secured on a free. Jonsdottir is a fantastic young prospect, still only 24 years old, who has already accrued a ton of experience with club and country and has a lot of different strengths to her game. She's got brilliant athleticism, with some wicked pace and admirable endurance; she's versatile, able to play a variety of forward roles while also being well-versed in some defensive ones; she's got a lot of technical qualities which suit her to different playing styles and make her an asset in several tactical set-ups; plus, she has a dangerous long throw. Jonsdottir should suit this move nicely and she has a lot of room for growth, too. Grade: B

For Jonsdottir: This might be the move Jonsdottir needs to really progress in her career. There's no doubting her talent, which is clear for all to see, but it's hard not to feel like she has stagnated slightly at Wolfsburg in recent years. As such, it makes sense for her to take on a new challenge in a new environment. Can it be the catalyst for her to go to the next level? Only time will tell, but it certainly feels like it could be a positive move for her at this moment. Grade: B

For Angel City: This move just didn't quite work out for Angel City. The scorer of the club's first-ever goal, Gilles spent most of her time out on loan at Lyon, with injuries limiting her involvement with the Los Angeles side before that. The good news is that means there is not hugely negative impact for ACFC then, as Gilles was very rarely playing for them, and they managed to pick up an undisclosed fee for her services, too. Grade: B

For Bayern Munich: This is a great pick up for the German champions which should increase the competition at the centre-back position significantly. Bayern already have a great defence, with Magdalena Eriksson and Glodis Viggosdottir forming a fantastic partnership at the heart of it, but their domestic dominance hasn't quite translated onto the European stage yet, and so it's important to always strive to get better. Gilles has been superb for Lyon over the last few years, as well as Canada, with whom she won Olympic gold in 2021. She is dependable and gives her all, and should show all of that in Germany. Grade: B

For Gilles: After so long with Lyon, many might've thought the Canada international would stay in France when she eventually left Angel City on a permanent basis. Instead, she joins another European giant, one that will hope her experience in the Champions League can help them take further steps forward on the continent. She should be an important player for a great club and gets to experience a new environment while remaining at the highest level. Grade: B