Manchester United sign Sweden defender in record-breaking transfer

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Sweden international Anna Sandberg on three-year deal, with the option of a further year.

The defender joins the Reds from BK Hacken, where she had been playing since July 2022, gaining Champions League experience with the Damallsvenskan side. On the international stage, Sandberg was part of the Sweden squad that finished third at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

She joins for what will be a record transfer fee for a Swedish women’s player, surpassing the £150,000 Everton paid to Rosengard for Hanna Bennison in 2021. The 21-year-old full-back is United's fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Dominique Janssen, Elisabeth Terland and Melvine Malard.

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“I’m very happy and grateful to sign for this big club, Manchester United," Sandberg said. "I hope I can help our team with my qualities and deliver many winning moments for our fantastic fans.”

Manager Marc Skinner added: “We are delighted to have Anna join our Manchester United family. She is a talented young player, who already has a wealth of international and Champions League experience. We look forward to seeing her develop further in red.”

United finished fifth in the Women's Super League (WSL) last season and won the Women's FA Cup. They will get their 2024/25 campaign underway against West Ham United at Old Trafford on the weekend of September 21/22.

You can pick up the August edition of our monthly publication Women's Football News here.