Caroline Weir will finally get the respect - and trophies - she deserves after leaving Real Madrid behind for Lyon: GOAL grades the biggest deals of the 2026 women's summer transfer window

It's here. The 2026 summer transfer window has arrived and it promises to be an extremely eventful one in the women's game, with stars like Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr and Georgia Stanway all set to be on the move in the coming weeks and months. There are plenty of deals that have been rumoured and reported for some time, with only the official announcements seemingly left to be done, but there will be some shocks along the way too, as always.

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  June 16: Caroline Weir (Real Madrid to Lyon)

  For Real Madrid: An indication of where the project of the women's team is at. Weir is arguably the greatest player to represent Las Blancas, such has been her remarkably consistent impact since arriving at the club in 2022. However, she departs having lifted no silverware in four years in the Spanish capital, with Madrid still miles behind Barcelona in the race for domestic silverware and a rung below the elite in Europe. In order to keep hold of top talent like Weir, Real simply have to do better with the women's team. She is going to be a massive loss. Grade: F

  For Lyon: A fantastic pick-up on a free transfer for this year's Champions League runners-up. Weir is a game-changer at the elite level, boasting experience aplenty and proven quality on the biggest stages, all of which can aid a Lyon team looking to end what is now a four-year wait for another European crown. With Lindsey Heaps departing, the Scotland international also helps to reinforce the midfield area in what is simply a great signing for the French giants. Grade: A

  For Weir: After being consistently brilliant during her time in Madrid, but never having any silverware to show for it, Weir deserves this sort of move, the kind of which should see her lift trophies aplenty. She has played for big clubs before, turning out for Arsenal and Manchester City during her time in England before the move to Madrid, and now gets the chance to go up another level entirely, representing the eight-time European champions. It's a move that, given the stages Lyon play on, should see the 30-year-old get more credit for her talent, too. Grade: A

• Manchester City FC

  June 12: Beth Mead (Arsenal to Man City)

  For Arsenal: While the Gunners were always set to bid farewell to several first-team players this summer, as a whole host of contracts came up for renewal, reports suggested that Mead was one of those coming to the end of her deal that the club wanted to keep around. Despite not being a sure-fire starter this past season, the England international was still very effective and added plenty both in and out of possession for the two-time European champions. Arsenal could not match the length of deal being offered by Man City, though, meaning an unwanted goodbye. Replacing her well will be key this summer, with plenty of creativity and goal threat having departed north London as a result of this move. Grade: D

  For Man City: The wide areas are well-stocked at Man City, making this an eyebrow-raising deal to some degree for many. A three-year deal for a player who has just turned 31 years old is always going to force a double take, too. But Mead has performed consistently well at the highest level for years now and she brings reliability, experience and winning mentality to the new WSL champions. If City want to compete for domestic titles again next season, they need a deeper squad, as a return to the Champions League is also coming. Mead, who is versatile enough to play across the front line, brings exactly that. Grade: B

  For Mead: With a World Cup to come next year, game time is vital for Mead in this upcoming season if she wants to play a key role for England in Brazil - should they qualify. This move doesn’t necessarily guarantee that, given the depth City have in attack, but rotation will be vital should Andree Jeglertz’s side be able to compete on four fronts and Mead should therefore get plenty of opportunity to play and, in turn, force herself into the starting line-up. It’s also worth noting the positives of this move on a personal level for the winger. A three-year deal with a top club aged 31 is one of them, as is the reunion with partner Vivianne Miedema, who starred for City last season. Grade: B

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  June 1: Katie McCabe (Arsenal to Chelsea)

  For Arsenal: How Arsenal dealt with McCabe's contract situation was confusing from start to finish. Despite her being a key player and a regular solution to problems posed by injuries, such is her versatility, the Gunners were primed to let the Ireland captain leave, with her unsurprisingly attracting plenty of interest as the summer approached. They then made a U-turn and offered her a new deal, though The Athletic reported that 'was for a very specific role in the team going forward', so the player opted for a new challenge. It's not as big a blow to Arsenal as it would be were they not bringing in Barcelona full-back Ona Batlle, but it's hard not to feel like the Gunners will regret letting McCabe and her versatility, which solved problems in various positions last season, go - not least because she will now use that to strengthen a direct rival. Grade: D

  For Chelsea: This is a fantastic signing for Chelsea, a sentiment heightened by the fact the club seemingly stole McCabe from right under the noses of Manchester City, the new WSL champions who were primed to sign the Ireland star to bolster a position that needs attention. Chelsea used various options at left-back last season, in Niamh Charles, Sandy Baltimore and Veerle Buurman, but none are naturals there. McCabe's arrival allows Baltimore to push forward into her preferred attacking role and it means Buurman can largely be used in a centre-back role, where she is brilliant. Charles, who looks set to move to City now instead, is a good player, but McCabe is one of the best in the women's game in this position, with her to significantly improve the Blues' XI as a result. Grade: A

  For McCabe: There are many Arsenal fans out there dismayed by McCabe's decision to join a big rival, having spent the last 11 years marking herself out as a Gunners legend. But the 30-year-old is a top player and this is an opportunity for her to join another huge club with big ambitions. For her to stay in England and do that, there was always only going to be so many options. She is a great fit for the Blues, will be a key starter and has the opportunity to win plenty of silverware, if the club can put a disappointing season behind them and return to the heights of most of the past decade. Given she was not happy with the offer from Arsenal with regards to her role, this is an upgrade for her when it comes to her as an individual. Grade: B