WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY
The five-minute read for dedicated-ish fans of women’s football.
A note on summer editions: the WSL is on its break, so we'll be focusing on transfers, news, and things worth reading until the new season kicks off.
This week: England's World Cup route, Sunderland's takeover complete, and Weir is off to Lyon. Plus: the summer transfer round-up and our favourite long reads.
– Jo, founder of Twentytwo
🚨ICYMI
Top Headlines
🌍 The draw for the World Cup 2027 European play-offs has been made, and the route to Brazil is set.
England face Greece away in round one; Slovakia or Ukraine await in round two if they come through
Scotland vs Czech Republic in round one; Lithuania or Sweden in round two
Wales vs Albania in round one; Romania or Norway in round two — Norway are coached by former Wales boss Gemma Grainger
Northern Ireland vs Portugal in round one; Croatia or Iceland in round two
Round one: 7–13 October.
Round two: 26 November–5 December.
Seven European spots are still up for grabs. Read more
🏟️ Bay Collective have completed their takeover of Sunderland Women, approved by WSL Football on 18 June. Read more.
The US multi-club ownership group (backed by investment firm Sixth Street, who also own NWSL's Bay FC) now hold a majority stake, with Sunderland AFC retaining a minority share.
Leading the project is Kay Cossington MBE, who spent over 20 years at the FA as technical director of women's football.
Cossington has been clear that this is a long-term build — infrastructure and support staff first, sustainable growth over quick fixes. In a region where Durham are currently facing an uncertain future without fresh investment, that approach feels significant.
If you fancy a longer read, check out The Atheltic
📚 WHAT WE’RE READING
→ Sudan women’s soccer team defies war and prejudice to make historic return to international stage – The Independent via Yahoo
→ Soccer in Mexico: Increased investment, the most-watched league and Women’s World Cup dreams – The Athletic
✍️ INSIDE TRACK
Transfer Round-up
Caroline Weir has signed a three-year contract for OL Lyonnes, arriving on a free transfer from Real Madrid. The Scotland captain leaves as their all-time top scorer — 63 goals in four years. She wanted Champions League football, something Madrid couldn't offer, and Lyon, under new head coach Jonatan Giráldez, are hungry to win it after losing this year's final to Barcelona 4-0. Weir called it a "no-brainer." Read more
CONFIRMED
→ London City: Mary Earps joins from PSG on a two-year deal from 1 July. The former England goalkeeper returns to the WSL after two years in France — two years in which, she admits, "people think I've vanished." She hasn't.
→ West Ham: Laia Codina joins from Arsenal on a three-year deal from 1 July. The experienced Spanish centre-back brings real defensive quality to what is shaping up as a significant rebuild. Seven players out: Zadorsky, Hanshaw, Sáez, Walsh, Taylor-Brown, Cascarino (loan return to Juventus) and Gorry.
→ Tottenham: Kirsty Hanson joins from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee. The Scotland forward scored 12 goals last season (third top scorer in the WSL) and won Goal of the Season. Third major signing of the summer after Martinez and Dijkstra.
→ Aston Villa: Mia McAulay joins from Rangers. The 19-year-old Scottish winger made her debut for the club at 16 and earned her first senior Scotland cap last year.
→ Chicago Stars (NWSL): Leila Ouahabi joins from Man City on a three-year deal. The Spanish international defender won the WSL and FA Cup with City this season.
MANAGEMENT MOVES
→ Nils Nielsen has been appointed Technical Director of Como Women. He led Japan to the Asian Cup in March before his contract wasn't renewed.
RUMOURED
→ Sam Kerr set to join Gotham FC on a free after leaving Chelsea. Not officially confirmed.
→ Salma Paralluelo is leaving Barcelona when her contract expires on 30 June and has already turned down Chelsea, who wouldn't meet her salary demands. The 22-year-old World Cup winner is expected to stay in Europe and join a Champions League club.
→ Patri Guijarro is being linked with a move to Lyon this summer. Her Barcelona contract runs until 2027 but Lyon are reportedly ready to make a significant offer, which is good news for Barca who won’t want to risk losing her for free next year.
👀 FAVE FINDS
Topps Chrome UWCL 2025-26 cards dropped on 18 June, just a month after the final (a significant improvement on last year when they turned up in January). Hobby boxes are £80 and come with two autographs — English players in the set include Russo, Kelly, Mead, Williamson and McCabe. Only available as hobby boxes from Topps directly; individual cards available on the secondary market. Available now via Topps UK
See you next week!
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