A record $15.6 million was spent on international women's football transfers in 2024, according to the latest FIFA report, more than doubling the previous mark set in 2023. And we even had a new world-record fee ($1.1m) as USWNT defender Naomi Girma moved to Chelsea.
Here are grades for all the major January transfers in the women's game, with each listed in order of date and then highest fee.
All fees are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.
Jan. 30
Keira Walsh
€550,000 (£460,000, $572,000)
Barcelona: D+
Chelsea: A
Walsh might not be quite the force she was when she secured a world-record €400,000 move to Barcelona in the summer of 2022 but she still remains one of the best midfielders in world football and is one of a select group of players who can make this Chelsea team better. Sonia Bompastor's side have had a fruitful January transfer window and the prospect of them sealing a sixth consecutive WSL title now seems almost inevitable, with all the team's main problem areas having now been addressed.
From a Barcelona perspective, Walsh's departure is a blow, but it's hefty fee given she was out of contract in the summer. The 27-year-old has started 15 of the Spanish club's 22 games so far this term and is a valuable member of the squad, in terms of both the experience and quality she brings. Not only have Barcelona lost a talented player, they have simultaneously strengthened probably their biggest rivals for the Champions League this season. It will certainly be interesting if the two clubs meet in the final. - BL
Jenna Nighswonger
£80,200 ($100,000)
Gotham FC: C
Arsenal: B
You don't earn 18 caps for the United States without being a very good player and that is why Nighswonger is a very shrewd addition for Arsenal. At 24, the left-back already has a wealth of experience at the elite level, having been part of the squad that won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics last summer. With Steph Catley now playing more frequently as a centre-back, Arsenal needed depth at left-back, and Nighswonger's arrival will allow Republic of Ireland international Katie McCabe to be rotated or pushed higher up the pitch. She's not a transformational signing, but she should add plenty of quality to the squad.
From a Gotham perspective, losing a U.S. international just as she is approaching her prime years is a blow. However, the club are used to navigating a relatively high turnover of players and will likely feel they can find an adequate replacement before the NWSL season starts in March. -- BL
Chloe Kelly
Loan
Manchester City: C
Arsenal: B+
It has been one of the biggest sagas of the January window. Twelve months ago, the idea of Kelly leaving Manchester City to join Arsenal would have been inconceivable. Now, though, it's reality.
From an Arsenal point of view, it's a smart addition. Kelly hasn't been at her best for some time now, but she's still a player with enormous quality and, in the right environment, could thrive. The fact she has only signed on loan makes it a relatively risk-free transfer for Renee Slegers' side and she offers them another dangerous attacking option.
From City's perspective, the nature of Kelly's exit leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. She might not have featured prominently this season but she is still a top player, and losing her to a direct rival after the player released a very honest statement about her situation on social media is a blow. -- BL
Laura Wienroither
Loan
Arsenal: B
Manchester City: B
It's been a tough couple of years for Wienroither. After sustaining an ACL injury in May 2023, the full-back has found it difficult to break back into the Arsenal team, with U.S. international Emily Fox having joined the club in the interim. With that in mind, it always felt as if Wienroither would have to move elsewhere to find the minutes she requires, having featured only three times in all competitions for Arsenal this season.
On the face of it, her loan move is a deal which suits all parties. For City, Wienroither provides depth in a crucial area and, if she is able to get back to her best, she will add plenty of quality and experience to the squad. The emergence of academy talent Katie Reid means Arsenal do have cover for Fox if they need it, so Wienroither's exit is not too much of problem. -- BL
Jan. 26
Naomi Girma
£881,000 ($1.1m)
San Diego Wave: B-
Chelsea: A+
It has happened! The first $1m signing in the women's football is USWNT defender Naomi Girma. Chelsea were willing to pay the largest-ever fee to sign the defender along with the high wages that come with signing such a big name. It is surprising, though, that it is a defender who broke the world record. The past three deals to do so (Racheal Kundananji, Mayra Ramirez and Keira Walsh) were either forwards or midfielders, but this just highlights a lack of world-class defenders, meaning top clubs like Lyon and Chelsea were willing to pay the big bucks to sign one. She is arguably the best centre-back around currently.
For Chelsea, the signing only strengthens an already stacked squad but comes at a crucial time with the side on course for the Quadruple. With the Wave now under the new leadership of Jonas Eidevall, it did seem surprising that the San Diego club were willing to let their premier defender go. After losing star forward Jaedyn Shaw, too, the Wave are in a transition period and as general manager Camille Ashton told ESPN, this is a time for the club to "reshape and to build." -- EK
Cat Macario and Emily Fox react to their USWNT teammate Naomi Girma's record transfer to Chelsea following the Blues' 1-0 win over Arsenal.
Jan. 21
Kerolin
Undisclosed
NC Courage: B-
Man City: A
Kerolin, the 2023 NWSL MVP, is set to inject flair into City's forward line at a crucial moment, especially with Lauren Hemp sidelined due to injury. The Brazilian's arrival comes at an ideal time, as winger Chloe Kelly is expected to leave at the end of her contract in the summer-or potentially on loan during the January window. By securing Kerolin, manager Gareth Taylor is strategically bolstering his options in wide attacking positions in the present and thinking for the future.
Kerolin's talent has caught the attention of top WSL clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal previously, which was why City were eager to secure her signature. Previously a key player for NC Courage, Kerolin's absence due to an ACL injury last year was a major blow, but since her return in September, the team has adapted well, softening the impact of her loss. -- EK
Alanna Kennedy
Undisclosed
Man City: B-
Angel City: B
It seems like a strange move for Manchester City to let defender Kennedy depart while Alex Greenwood is still ruled out with a knee injury, leaving their options for centre-back dangerously thin. They have already signed one central defender, and it would be silly to assume Gareth Taylor would not look at a second option to bolster the defence.
Kennedy had spells of time confined to the bench, but without Greenwood available, there seemed no better time for the Australian to gather momentum and playing time than now.
It is a positive addition for Angel City, who finished 12 in the NWSL table last season and conceded the second most goals, 42, during the 2024 campaign. -- EK
Jan. 18
Katherine Kuhl
Undisclosed
Arsenal: C-
Roma: A
The Gunners signed Kuhl to be the next big thing two years ago, and after being a vital edition during Arsenal's injury crisis at the end of 2022-23, hopes were high for the youngster's future. But after struggling for game-time last season, she was sent on loan for the remainder of the campaign to Everton. Still, despite positive praise and minutes with the Merseyside club, she returned to north London and was confined to the bench, claiming just six minutes from the first sector.
It is not a surprise, given the fact that the Gunners have a plethora of midfield options, that Kuhl departed for a chance to play more game time, however, it is a worrying pattern for Arsenal, who have failed to integrate a crop of academy youngsters for several years and failed to build up their acquired young talent. Summer signing Rosa Kafaji is in a similar position, making only one start this season thus far.
It is a great deal for Roma, who could use some extra talent to bolster their battle against Juventus for the title, and could extend their chances of reaching the Champions League again next season. -- EK
Aemu Oyama
Undisclosed
Waseda University: B
Man City: A
City are in the midst of an injury crisis and need as many signings as they can to bolster the team and add depth. Manager Gareth Taylor has attracted several young talents, especially from Japan, and harnessed their technical ability to advance his side.
Oyama is the fifth Japan international to sign for City in the past three years. Summer signing Aoba Fujino, 20, has improved the club's creativity but has not produced as many goals as desired, so 20-year-old midfielder Oyama should add attacking depth. -- EK
Jan. 15
Lize Kop
Undisclosed
Leicester City: C
Spurs: B+
Leicester are stuck at the bottom of the table, one point shy of the relegation zone and have struggled with injuries this season. But despite their standing, their defensive record is not that bad, only conceding 13 goals this season, so letting go of a goalkeeper with Kop's potential is interesting, given how heavily Leicester have relied on the Netherlands international to rotate with Janina Leitzig.
Spurs were in desperate need of reinforcements after Barbara Votikova departed after one season. Becky Spencer has been a stalwart between the sticks, but she is now 33 years old, meaning the club need to look to bring in their future No. 1 to learn under her guidance. Kop has potential, as she is only 26, but is already a top class goalkeeper. -- EK
Jan. 9
Marta
Free
Orlando Pride: A
In what might be one of the biggest twists of this transfer window, free agent (her Orlando contract expired at the end of 2024) Marta signed a new two-year deal with the NWSL champions, keeping her at the club until 2026.
Marta, who is 39 next month, helped the Pride to their first title and won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with Brazil. So it is a big deal for Orlando to retain the one of the world's most iconic players. -- EK
Julia Bartel
Loan
Chelsea: A
Liverpool: A
When Bartel signed for Chelsea from Barcelona in the summer, it very much felt like she was a player for the future. At just 20 years old, it was always going to be difficult for the midfielder to break straight into the Chelsea first team and so it has proven. She had made just two appearances for Sonia Bompastor's side this term, totalling 25 minutes. She's likely to get ample playing time on Merseyside and should return to Cobham in the summer as a more seasoned player.
For Liverpool, this is another shrewd acquisition. Manager Matt Beard has spoken about funds being limited at the club and bringing in Bartel, as well as Bayern Munich loanee Sam Kerr, should add some extra quality in the middle of the park. Though Bartel is young, she has extensive experience from her time with Barcelona's B team as well as from youth international football with Spain, winning the U20 Women's World Cup in 2022 and the U19 Women's European Championship on two occasions. -- BL
Jan. 8
Hayley Ladd
Undisclosed
Man United: B-
Everton: A
Ladd's Manchester United exit has felt inevitable for some time now. The Wales international has made just three WSL appearances so far this term, with United boss Marc Skinner having bolstered his midfield in the summer transfer window. With Euro 2025 coming up in the summer, Ladd's need for minutes means her move to Everton makes a lot of sense.
Her departure leaves United a little bit light in the middle of the park, which could come back to haunt them as they bid to secure Champions League qualification. But, for Everton, Ladd's arrival is a continuation of some shrewd January business, with the 31-year-old bringing plenty of quality and experience to Walton Hall Park. -- BL
Sam Kerr
Loan
Bayern Munich: B
Liverpool: A+
Liverpool manager Matt Beard tried to sign Kerr two years ago, but has finally landed the Scotland international. Kerr, 25, not to be mistaken for namesake Australia international and Chelsea forward Sam Kerr, signed for Bayern in 2023 but has struggled for game time, only making two starts so far. She has found it tough to break into Alexander Straus' star-studded lineup, so a loan is the right option for both club and player. However, Bayern fans will be concerned that any further injuries could leave options a little light.
For Liverpool, Beard admitted that they are probably getting a more advanced player following her 18-month stint with the German champions, making it a perfect signing at the right time for the Merseyside team. Beard admitted before the winter break that he had a limited budget in this window, but if this loan spell is successful they may look to make a permanent offer. -- EK
Jan. 7
Emma Watson
Loan
Man United: B
Everton: A
After suffering an ACL injury early in her Manchester United career, the Scotland international talent is set to make the most of a fresh opportunity to play. While Watson impressed in a brief appearance for United in the League Cup, she has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI following her recovery. With Marc Skinner's lack of rotation, a loan move makes sense for the club.
In addition to Watson's departure, United have also loaned out fellow young talent Jess Simpson to Bristol City, ensuring both players have the opportunity to gain valuable playing time and continue their development.
Everton have long been adept at leveraging the loan system to strengthen their squad, and this move is no exception. Despite the backing of the Friedkin Group, Everton's budget still lags behind that of the top clubs, but the loan market allows them to maximise their resources and reinforce a team that have struggled with injuries. -- EK
Jan. 4
Martina Fernandez
Loan
Barcelona: A
Everton: A
Not only is this a great signing for a club like Everton, who know how to get the best out of budding young talents, but it is mutually beneficial for her parent club, Barcelona.
Following comments from players like Aitana Bonmati -- explaining how Liga F needs to do more to raise the stakes and competitiveness of the league -- it is no surprise that Barcelona are starting to send handfuls of their up-and-coming youngsters to England and other top leagues to gain experience.
Fernandez, 20, is following the path to gain vital playing time and experience, making it a perfect signing for both clubs, especially Barcelona, as she would not have had the same opportunities in the B side. -- EK
Jan. 3
Olivia Holdt
Undisclosed
Rosengard: B-
Spurs: A
Rosengard are losing plenty of talent in this window, already saying goodbye to two players who helped steer them to the Swedish league. This happened to Hammarby in the summer and is a plot fall of the Damallsvenskan acting as a feeder for more established clubs in Europe.
But it's a positive move for the youngster who has started to become integrated into Denmark's national team and fills a gap in Spurs' midfield. The club have struggled to rejig the side following Grace Clinton's departure back to Man United and the losses of Maite Oroz and Kit Graham. While the former is expected to return for the second half of the season, Holdt will be a key addition as coach Robert Vilahamn looks to solidify their mid-table stance. -- EK
Jan. 1
Rebecca Knaak
Loan
Rosengard: C
Man City: A-
Man City were in engulfed in an injury crisis in the latter part of last year, losing Risa Shimizu, Lauren Hemp, Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, Naomi Layzel, Vivianne Miedema and Alex Greenwood. The side desperately need reinforcements, especially in defence with Greenwood set to be sidelined for several months. Knaak is experienced in Germany and Sweden, so will bring a level of composure, but she is uncapped for the senior national team. Despite this, she helped to steer Rosengard to the Swedish league in November and knows what it takes to win.
Despite being a defender, she netted 16 goals in 36 appearances and clearly caught the eye of City's new Head of Women's of Football, Therese Sjögran, formerly of Rosengard as a player and director. City need to rebuild if they want to keep pressure on Chelsea at the top of the table and Knaak will prove key in bolstering the back line. -- EK
Kelly Gago
Undisclosed
Nantes: B
Everton: A
Everton's budget has improved significantly after the Friedkin Group takeover, allowing them to sign Gago. The Toffees have struggled with injuries since last season, including ACL's to Aurora Galli and Inma Gabrarro. Sitting 12th in the table, they need points to avoid relegation and are especially lacking in goals, with the third-lowest tally in the league.
Gago, a 25-year-old forward with solid experience in mid-table European clubs, including 44 goals in 88 appearances for AS Saint-Étienne, is a positive signing to bolster the side. Recently called up to the France national team, she'll get a bigger platform and a more competitive league at Everton to showcase her talent. -- EK