Zelem Back in WSL | Kerr Kit Drop | United Close in on Champs League

September 01, 2025

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY
IN THIS WEEK’S ROUND-UP...

  • Champions League: United close in on qualification

  • Latest headlines: Arrest in Carter case

  • Kit drop: Sam Kerr signature boot

  • Transfer news: Beard resigns

  • Ditch the sofa: Massive Foudy’s Sale Event

 👑 UWCL

Man United close in on historic Champions League debut

Manchester United are close to their first-ever spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage. After a commanding 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven and a nervy 1-0 victory away at Hammarby, Elizabeth Terland’s crucial goal sent United into the third qualifying round.

Next up are Norwegian giants SK Brann, with two legs to decide who joins Europe’s elite this October. The first leg is in Norway on September 11, with Old Trafford hosting the return a week later. Fun fact: both Lisa Naalsund and Elisabeth Terland previously played for Brann, adding extra spice to the tie. Brann are top of the Norwegian league and come packed with European pedigree.

While United have been a solid force in the WSL, their European quest has often stalled. Manager Marc Skinner knows the challenge: “If we want to be a team that’s in Europe, then you have to own it — you have to stand up, be counted, and take the ball.” This campaign could be the breakthrough United have been chasing.

📹 Watch the highlights:
→ Versus PSV
→ Versus Hammerby

🚨ICYMI

Top Headlines

⚖️ A man has been arrested after sending racist abuse to England’s Jess Carter during Euro 2025. The WSL will resume taking the knee in solidarity for the new season. England players had previously refused to take the knee during the Euros in protest at the incident. 

🩵 Millie Bright says stepping away from England’s Euro 2025 squad was “by far the best decision I ever made”. The Chelsea captain opened up about losing her spark after a relentless season and feeling rejuvenated ahead of the WSL kick-off. Read more

🏆 Heading to Chelsea’s WSL opener? Arrive early at Stamford Bridge to catch Chelsea’s Lionesses, including Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Niamh Charles, parading their newly claimed Euro 2025 trophy before kick-off.

🌍 Denmark and Sweden (joint bid), Germany, Poland, and Portugal are vying to host UEFA Women's Euro 2029; a final decision will be made later this year. Italy, a previous contender, has dropped out.

💰 West Ham are in talks to sell a stake in their women's team to a US private equity fund – a potential move towards greater investment and changes at the club. Read more

🇮🇪 Former Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson has alleged “second-class” treatment by the FAI, claiming inferior pay, support and resources compared to the men’s setup, and an unfair exit. The FAI denies the claims and says it will mount a robust defence as the case enters the courts. Read more (Paywall)

🌴 Fort Lauderdale will host this year’s World Sevens Football Series from 5-7 December, after a punchy debut in Europe. Expect $5m prize money and global stars, with clubs from the Americas set to take part. Read more

🔥 Kansas City Current have stamped their dominance on the 2025 NWSL season by becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot – with eight games still to go. Their 2-0 victory over North Carolina Courage marked their third postseason appearance, powered by tight defence and clinical finishing.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

→ Lotte Wubben-Moy: ‘We need to redefine what it means to be the best player’ (The Observer)

→ Meet the women who never gave up on football, now hoping to secure their place on an Afghan squad (Sky News)

→ Martin Ho on meeting Thomas Frank, seeking inspiration from Kobe Bryant, and returning to the WSL (The Cutback)

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Transfer Round-up

Katie Zelem (Left), Alanna Kennedy (Right)

  • London City Lionesses continue their summer spending spree with the season-long loan signing of OL Lyonnes defender Wassa Sangaré. They also secured Angel City duo Katie Zelem, a former Manchester United captain, and Australian defender Alanna Kennedy on permanent deals ahead of their WSL debut. 

  • West Ham has loaned two players to Bristol City for the season: midfielder Jess Ziu, who is returning from her second ACL injury, and defender Camila Sáez, a Chile international. Both will aim to gain regular minutes as Bristol City pushes for promotion from WSL2.

  • Chelsea’s promising midfielder Júlia Bartel has moved on loan to Atletico Madrid for the 2025/26 season, seeking regular first-team football in Liga F after a challenging start to her WSL career.

  • Arsenal’s young midfielder Laila Harbert has joined NWSL side Portland Thorns on loan through the season. The England youth international, who has captained the U17s and U19s, will gain valuable experience in the US top flight. 

  • Matildas winger Hayley Raso has signed for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Frauen-Bundesliga following her stint with Tottenham Hotspur.

  • Manchester City have extended the contract of defensive midfielder Codie Thomas, securing one of their young prospects as they build for the future.

  • Portuguese midfielder Jessica Silva has joined Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al Hilal, adding to the league’s growing international profile.

MANAGER MOVES

  • Leicester City have parted ways with manager Amandine Miquel just 10 days before the WSL opener. The French coach, who took charge last summer on a three-year deal, leaves after less than one season with the Foxes, finishing 10th. Assistant Amaury Messuwe also departs as Leicester prepare to start the season with an interim coaching staff.

  • Burnley Women’s manager Matt Beard has resigned just two games into the season, stepping down to “pursue other opportunities.” He has been placed on 3 months of gardening leave while first-team coach Louise Roberts takes over interim duties.

  • Aston Villa Women have appointed Maggie Murphy as their new Women’s Managing Director. With extensive experience in football management and a strong background in commercial and operational roles, Murphy will lead the strategic development of Villa’s women’s programme as the club aims to strengthen its position in the WSL.

RUMOUR HAS IT:

  • Chelsea is eyeing 20-year-old USA winger Alyssa Thompson from Angel City. Known for her lightning pace and goal threat, she’s tied to Angel City until 2028, but talks are progressing – no official bid yet.

  • London City Lionesses look set to trigger Barcelona midfielder Lucía Corrales’ €500k release clause. After renewing her contract, financial hiccups have made her available.

  • Juventus are closing in on Arsenal and Swiss midfielder Lia Wälti as her contract winds down next summer. Arsenal could cash in before it runs out.

  • Chelsea have also sounded out PSG about Grace Geyoro, who’s reportedly unsettled and keen to move on. Her contract runs to 2026, but she’s not happy with the terms. Chelsea’s interest looks serious, but nothing is nailed down.

  • Meanwhile, Man City are linked with Man United’s Grace Clinton. With her deal running out soon, City may move quickly before the window slams shut.

👟 KIT DROP

Sam Kerr has launched her very first Player Edition football boot with Nike, marking a major milestone in her career. Kerr’s Mercurial Superfly boasts a light, beach-inspired palette that channels the sandy shores, ocean waves, and fiery sunsets of her hometown Perth. Personal mantras like “Consistent,” “Forever Forward,” and “Perth Swagger” (lol) are tattooed across the upper, weaving Kerr’s journey and identity into the design – right down to a stripe inspired by Aussie sprint legend Cathy Freeman.

The launch doesn’t stop at boots. Kerr’s debut sportswear collection features a performance training top and shorts, a bold oversized hoodie emblazoned with empowering phrases like “Be Who I Am, Be Who You Are,” and a Nike Field General sneaker that ties it all together. Each piece echoes the boot’s colours and celebrates Kerr’s rise from East Fremantle kid to global football icon.

If you love an inspirational slogan, this is the range for you. You can already get the collection in Australia; it drops worldwide from September 2 (tomorrow).

🩼 ACL + INJURY UPDATES

Lena Oberdorf made an emotional return for Bayern's Supercup win over Wolfsburg, marking her first competitive game back after 410 days out. The 23-year-old midfielder looked sharp as Bayern claimed the title in front of 16,000 fans.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Risa Shimizu also made her return in Manchester City’s pre-season against Durham, coming back from her own ACL setback sustained at the 2024 Olympics.

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

Foudy’s lock-in at SOOO London

Foudy’s is having a mega sale with over 2000 football kits up for grabs at bargain prices:

  • All boots, bras and kits will be either £10, £20 or £40

  • Free official England vs Spain insignia printed onto your England shirt

  • 50x Togethxr tees hidden in store

  • Brand new 2025 kits hidden in the sale racks at sale prices - added to throughout the day

Date: 6th September 2025
Location: 245 Regent Street, London
Store Opens: 10am (all day event)
Main Event Starts: 4pm (Quiz, Giveaways, Bar, Rugby World Cup Watch Party)
Store Closes: 8pm

This is a lock-in event. You need to sign up to get involved. More info here

Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up

📂 JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

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