The January 2026 transfer window in women's football is poised to be one of the most intriguing and potentially volatile in the sport's history. With an unprecedented number of elite players entering the final six months of their contracts and spending having skyrocketed in recent years, clubs across the Women's Super League (WSL) and beyond are preparing for a frenetic month of negotiations.
A Market in Hyperinflation and Uncertainty
Transfer fees have been rising at a staggering pace. Last January saw a global spend of $5.8m (£4.3m), which was then dwarfed by a record $12.3m (£9.1m) in the summer of 2025. This summer figure was nearly double that of the previous year and a four-fold increase on 2023. This inflationary trend sets the stage for what could be another record-breaking period when the window for English clubs opens on 2 January and closes on 3 February.
What makes this window particularly unique is the sheer concentration of world-class talent approaching contractual freedom. From the WSL's top scorer Khadija Shaw at Manchester City to Chelsea's Sam Kerr and Catarina Macario, and a host of Barcelona's regular starters, numerous influential figures see their deals expire in June 2026. This creates immense uncertainty and leverage, promising a domino effect across the market.
High-Profile Contracts Nearing Their End
The list of players with expiring contracts reads like a who's who of women's football. In England, stars such as Ella Toone, Hannah Hampton, and Georgia Stanway are among those from the Euro 2022-winning squad entering the final six months. Scotland's Caroline Weir at Real Madrid and Mary Earps at Paris Saint-Germain are in the same position.
Perhaps the most eye-catching situation is in the NWSL, where Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman is now a free agent after her contract expired on New Year's Eve. Her future is a major talking point on both sides of the Atlantic.
The situation at Barcelona is especially compelling. Key players including Ona Batlle, Salma Paralluelo, Mapi León, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Marta Torrejón are all in the final half-year of their agreements, while Alexia Putellas's deal runs to 2026 with a club option for an extra year.
WSL Clubs Gear Up for January Activity
Clubs are already making moves. Manchester United have secured the marquee signing of German striker Lea Schüller from Bayern Munich on a long-term contract, alongside right-back Hanna Lundkvist. Tottenham, the WSL's surprise package, have been active, announcing the signing of Swedish youth international Matilda Nildén to add to their captures of Signe Gaupset and Hanna Wijk.
Arsenal, the European champions, are understood to be seeking a goalkeeper and a right-back, with Sweden's Smilla Holmberg strongly linked. Chelsea, despite significant summer spending, may re-enter the market as they chase Manchester City's six-point lead, while also managing the contract situations of Guro Reiten and others.
At the bottom of the table, Liverpool are in urgent need of reinforcements to address an extensive injury list that has plagued their season. Similarly, West Ham, under new head coach Rita Guarino, are expected to be active to aid their survival bid.
However, a key factor differentiates this window from recent years: the absence of a major summer tournament. With no World Cup, Euros, or Olympics in 2026, the desperation for players to secure first-team minutes to earn a squad place is diminished. This may reduce the number of short-term loan moves that have characterised past January windows, such as Chloe Kelly's high-profile switch to Arsenal a year ago.
As the window prepares to open, the combination of record financial power, contractual uncertainty, and strategic squad building promises a fascinating and unpredictable month for women's football.
