Summer transfer window: Grading big signings in women's soccer - ESPN

A record $15.6 million was spent on international women's transfers in 2024, according to a FIFA report, more than doubling the previous mark in 2023. To start 2025, we had a world-record fee ($1.1m) as USWNT defender Naomi Girma moved to Chelsea in January.

Here are grades for all the major summer 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.

Ajax: A
OL Lyonnes: A

As a smaller club, Ajax were always going to struggle to hold on to a potential superstar like Yohannes. Like those in lower-ranked leagues or teams, the lure of the big sides, with higher salaries, more opportunities and more competition, always wins. But Ajax got a hefty transfer fee for the 18-year-old USWNT star which will serve the club well to bring in replacements as they look to push on in their European journey.

Lyonnes were in competition with Chelsea to sign Yohannes, but weren't willing to match Lyon's highly competitive offer. They're getting an exceptionally talented wonderkid with Champions League experience, with a high commercial value too, given her ties with the USWNT. Lyon are also able to integrate younger players into the first team a lot quicker than Chelsea can, meaning Yohannes is likely to gain a starting role far sooner than if she had moved to west London. It's a good signing for all parties involved.

Barcelona: C
Aston Villa: A

Roebuck has had a tough few seasons. After being left on the bench at Manchester City, she joined Barcelona in 2024, but suffered a stroke and has faced issues getting game time ever since. Indeed, the 25-year-old has made only two appearances since the end of the 2022-23 season. It's unfortunate that the