The world of women's football is poised for a potentially seismic January transfer window, with an unprecedented number of elite players entering the final six months of their contracts and spending expected to continue its dramatic upward trajectory.
A Market in Flux: High-Profile Contracts Expiring
This winter's transfer period, which opens for English clubs on 2 January and closes on 3 February 2026, is unique. A remarkable cluster of the sport's biggest stars are approaching the end of their current deals, creating significant uncertainty and opportunity. This includes Manchester City's Khadija Shaw, the WSL's current leading scorer, and Chelsea forwards Sam Kerr and Catarina Macario.
The situation extends across Europe. At Barcelona, a host of regular starters including Ona Batlle, Salma Paralluelo, and Caroline Graham Hansen see their contracts expire in June, though the club holds an option to extend Alexia Putellas's deal. In the NWSL, a major story is unfolding as Trinity Rodman's contract with Washington Spirit officially expired on New Year's Eve, throwing her future into doubt.
England internationals Ella Toone, Hannah Hampton, and Georgia Stanway are among those from the Euro 2025 final squad with deals ending, alongside Mary Earps at Paris Saint-Germain and Caroline Weir at Real Madrid.
WSL Clubs Prepare for Busy January
Clubs across the Women's Super League are already active. Manchester United have made a statement signing, bringing in German striker Lea Schüller from Bayern Munich on a long-term contract. They've also secured Sweden right-back Hanna Lundkvist and a new deal for Hinata Miyazawa.
Arsenal, the European champions, are reportedly targeting a new goalkeeper and a right-back, with Sweden's Smilla Holmberg strongly linked. Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their squad with the signings of Norwegian attacker Signe Gaupset and Swedish defender Matilda Nildén.
At the bottom of the table, Liverpool are under pressure to sign reinforcements to address a severe injury crisis, while West Ham, under new coach Rita Guarino, are also expected to be active. Chelsea, despite summer spending, may re-enter the market to close Manchester City's six-point lead, with several of their own players like Guro Reiten in the final year of their contracts.
Record Fees and a Unique Motivational Landscape
The financial scale of the women's game continues to explode. Last January saw $5.8m (£4.3m) spent globally, followed by a record $12.3m (£9.1m) in the summer of 2025—nearly double the previous year and four times the 2023 total. This window could see that trend continue.
However, one key factor differs from previous years: 2026 is not a major tournament year. With no World Cup, European Championship, or Olympics on the horizon, the traditional January driver for players—securing playing time to earn a squad place—is less potent. Moves like Chloe Kelly's high-profile switch to Arsenal a year ago may be less common, potentially changing the dynamics of short-term loans and desperation deals.
With so many valuable assets in contractual limbo and clubs across the WSL and Europe looking to strengthen, the stage is set for a month of intense speculation and potentially landmark transfers. The domino effect from the first major move could trigger a fascinating chain reaction across the women's football landscape.
