Women's football transfers often go unnoticed during major men's tournaments, but the summer of 2025 saw a flurry of moves that reshaped the landscape. From Alexandra Popp's emotional return to Borussia Dortmund to Ally Sentnor's record-breaking NWSL trade, here are 10 transfers you might have missed while the men's World Cup dominated headlines.
Key Transfers You Might Have Overlooked
The men's World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico drew global attention, but women's football continued to evolve behind the scenes. Below is a detailed look at the biggest moves that slipped under the radar.
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Alexandra Popp to Borussia Dortmund
The three-time Champions League winner Alex Popp may be reaching the twilight of her playing career, but her move to Borussia Dortmund on a three-year contract at the tier-three club proves she is not ready to hang up her boots. After 14 years with Wolfsburg, the 35-year-old has scored 112 goals in 219 games for Wolfsburg and 67 goals in 145 games for Germany. A lifelong Dortmund fan whose 'heart beats for this club,' Popp aims to boost the women's team launched in 2020.
Kirsty Hanson to Tottenham
The 28-year-old was a top target for Spurs after a phenomenal fourth season at Aston Villa. Hanson finished as the third-highest scorer in the WSL with 12 goals in 22 games, accounting for 43% of Villa's total tally. She joins a focused Tottenham side under manager Martin Ho, who has the tools to push into the top four.
Ally Sentnor to Angel City
Sentnor, the first overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, was the subject of an $850,000 (£635,000) trade between Kansas City Current and Angel City on June 19. The midfielder made her debut for Angel City shortly after, signaling a major investment in young talent.
Comparison: Top WSL Scorers Before Transfers
| Player | Previous Club | Goals (Last Season) | New Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirsty Hanson | Aston Villa | 12 | Tottenham |
| Alexandra Popp | Wolfsburg | 8 (Bundesliga) | Borussia Dortmund |
| Ally Sentnor | Kansas City Current | 5 (NWSL) | Angel City |
Other Notable Moves
- Beth Mead – Arsenal to Manchester City (record WSL fee)
- Mary Earps – Manchester United to London City Lionesses
- Georgia Stanway – Bayern Munich to Arsenal
- Sam Kerr – Chelsea to Gotham FC
- Alexia Putellas – Barcelona to London City (game-changing switch)
Why These Transfers Matter
The movement of top talents like Popp, Hanson, and Sentnor reflects the growing financial muscle and ambition in women's football. Clubs are investing in experienced leaders and rising stars, raising the overall competitiveness of leagues worldwide. The men's World Cup may have stolen the spotlight, but these deals will shape the women's game for years to come.
FAQ
Why were women's transfers happening during the men's World Cup?
The women's transfer window often overlaps with major men's tournaments. Clubs use the summer period to strengthen squads, and the men's World Cup provided a distraction, but women's football continued its growth.
Which transfer was the most expensive in this list?
Ally Sentnor's $850,000 NWSL trade to Angel City was the most expensive, highlighting the increasing value of young American talent.
Did any top WSL players move clubs?
Yes, Beth Mead joined Manchester City, Mary Earps moved to London City Lionesses, and Georgia Stanway returned to Arsenal, among others.
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