The January transfer window may be short, but it never fails to surprise us. Each year, unexpected moves across the globe send shockwaves through the soccer world, and this season’s winter market is no exception. The women’s game, in particular, has been a major talking point—whether it’s Naomi Girma’s historic million-dollar transfer or other stunning moves beyond the WSL. Here’s a look at all the major NWSL transfers this off-season.

Naomi Girma

The elephant in the room, Naomi Girma has really disrupted the women’s transfer market. The USWNT star defender was brought by Chelsea for a whopping $1 million fee from the San Diego Wave.

Notably, this not only establishes her as the most expensive transfer in women’s soccer but also sees her surpass Racheal Kundananji’s $862,000 move from Madrid CFF to NWSL’s Bay FC. By signing a four-and-a-half-year contract, she will remain at the London-based club beyond the next 2027-28 campaign and into 2029.

Kerolin

This just might be the most unexpected move that one would have imagined. But yes, as it happened, Kerolin is the second-high prolific transfer from NWSL to WSL. The 25-year-old who had been a part of North Carolina Courage since 2022, had run down her contract this season.

However, the Brazilian international had initially informed the club that she wished to explore the market as a free agent. That finally saw her bid farewell to the American side and join Manchester City. This move also made her the first-ever Brazilian that Sky Blues ft. ladies ever signed.

Jenna Nighswonger

The second USWNT-based player after Naomi Girma to join WSL this season, Jenna Nighswonger left NJ/NY Gotham FC quite easily than anticipated. The star left-back joined Arsenal for a transfer fee of £80,000 or $100,000.

This 24-year-old won’t be feeling homesick as she will reunite with her national teammate Emily Fox, who joined the North London club last year. Together, they will face off against Girma as rivals, along with Mia Fishel and Catarina Macario in WSL clashes, who has been with the Blues since 2023.

Mariana Larroquette

Mariana Larroquette also left the NWSL in the offseason but did not move to the WSL. Instead, the Orlando Pride star has been loaned to Argentinian side Newell’s Old Boys Women, where she will compete in the Campeonato de Fútbol Femenino until July 1. Notably, the 32-year-old forward arrived in Orlando during the 2023 season, having made a little over 12 appearances for the club. But on the brighter side, Larroquette was able to savor the taste of the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in the 2024 season with the Pride.

If you think, the list ends here, we have more surprises for you. While we’ll be happy to talk about the departures from the NWSL, is there any talent that the American women’s league has gained?

Has NWSL been losing just talents in their off-season?

To break the ice, yes. It’s true that in the past few weeks, they have been losing talent after talent. Chicago Stars’ Julia Bianchi and Ally Cook signed with SC Internacional and Spokane Zephyr, while Houston Dash’s Andressa Alves and Madison Ayson joined Corinthians and Canberra United. Defender Croix Soto moved to AFC Toronto, and Stine Ballisager Pedersen left Kansas City Current for Fiorentina.

Racing Louisville’s Parker Goins signed with Tampa Bay Sun, while Quinn and Nikki Stanton joined Vancouver Rise FC. San Diego Wave’s Amirah Ali moved to Valencia, and Washington Spirit’s Annaïg Butel and Lena Silano signed with FC Fleury and UD Tenerife. The league also bid farewell to legends, as Becky Sauerbrunn, Nicole Barnhart, and Katie Johnson announced their retirements.

However, it hasn’t been all a loss for the NWSL, as several key signings have bolstered the league, particularly from the WSL. San Diego Wave brought in Kenza Dali from Aston Villa, while Manchester City duo Alanna Kennedy and Sandy MacIver joined Angel City and Washington Spirit, respectively.

So much activity in the winter transfer window—imagine the scenes in the summer!