Several big player transfers have changed women's soccer teams. Record fees show the sport is growing fast.
Chelsea sold French player Oriane Jean-Francois to Aston Villa for a record 535,000 EUR in January 2026. This is a big change for Chelsea, who usually spend a lot on players.
Jean-Francois joined Chelsea under coach Sonia Bompastor in the 2024-25 season. She struggled to get a starting spot, especially after Keira Walsh returned in January 2025. After 18 months in London, she is ready for a new team.
Emily Sams moved from Orlando Pride to Angel City for 615,000 EUR. This deal happened in January 2026 and shows more cash transfers in the NWSL.
Sams debuted for the U.S. national team in October 2024. She played 66 games for Orlando and won the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2024. She wants to keep doing well at Angel City.
Manchester United signed Ellen Wangerheim from Hammarby for 530,000 EUR. United wants to make their team stronger for a busy season.
At 21 years old, Wangerheim had a strong 2025 season with 17 goals and seven assists in 25 games. Her move is a loss for Hammarby, who lost other key players too.
Barbra Banda joined Orlando Pride from Shanghai Shengli for 700,000 EUR. Her international success now helps U.S. soccer.
In her first season with Orlando, she scored 17 goals in 26 matches. This helped the team win their first NWSL Championship.
Brazilian player Ludmila moved from Chicago Stars to San Diego Wave for an initial 757,000 EUR. The fee could rise to 946,000 EUR, one of the biggest in NWSL history.
At 31, Ludmila has lots of experience, including a good time at Atletico Madrid.
Manchester City signed Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns for a club-record 615,000 EUR. She is one of the best midfielders and will help City aim for the WSL title.
Racheal Kundananji moved from Madrid CFF to Bay FC for 816,000 EUR. This made her the most expensive women's player at the time.
She has not scored as much in the U.S. yet, but her move shows Bay FC's plans to grow.
Olivia Smith became the first million-EUR player. She moved from Liverpool to Arsenal for a record fee in July 2025. Arsenal saw her lead Liverpool to an FA Cup win.
Alyssa Thompson transferred from Angel City to Chelsea. The fee is thought to be a club record for Chelsea.
Naomi Girma joined Chelsea for 835,000 EUR. This made her the first million-EUR player in women's soccer. She is one of the top defenders.
Tarciane moved from Houston Dash to Lyon for 909,000 EUR. This was the second highest fee in women's football history then.
