Leaving Barcelona for Aston Villa opens the door for Ellie Roebuck to make Lionesses return: GOAL grades the biggest women's deals in the 2025 summer transfer window

All summer long, GOAL is handing out grades for the biggest transfers from around the women's game

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  July 8: Ellie Roebuck (Barcelona to Aston Villa)

  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

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  July 7: Lily Yohannes (Ajax to Lyon)

  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

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  July 4: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain to Lyon)

  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

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  July 2: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon to Chelsea)

  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 arrives 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

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  July 2: Chloe Kelly (Manchester City to Arsenal)

  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

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  June 20: Danielle van de Donk (Lyon to London City Lionesses)

  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

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  June 20: Ingrid Engen (Barcelona to Lyon)

  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

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  June 19: Sara Dabritz (Lyon to Real Madrid)

  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

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  June 18: Olga Carmona (Real Madrid to Paris Saint-Germain)

  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

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  June 16: Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City to Barcelona)

  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

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  June 11: Mara Alber (Hoffenheim to Chelsea)

  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

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  June 4: Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris Saint-Germain to Lyon)

  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

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  May 24: Jill Roord (Manchester City to Twente)

  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

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  May 22: Jule Brand (Wolfsburg to Lyon)

  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

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  May 21: Sveindis Jonsdottir (Wolfsburg to Angel City)

  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

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  May 20: Vanessa Gilles (Angel City to Bayern Munich)

  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