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Ella Toone, Salma Paralluelo and 10 Women's Football Stars Who Could Still Seal Major Moves in the 2026 Summer Transfer Frenzy
Priya Nambiar | July 21, 2026 11:17 PM CST

The 2026 women's summer transfer window has already proven to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory. Major names such as Alexia Putellas, Beth Mead, Sam Kerr, Georgia Stanway, and Mary Earps have all made moves in the opening weeks. Yet, even though a significant amount of business has been completed, several high-profile players could still switch clubs before the window closes in September.

Arsenal have been particularly active in the free-agent market, making notable signings like Stanway, Ona Batlle, Selina Cerci, and Geraldine Reuteler, while Lisa Baum’s addition further cements what has been a standout transfer window for the Gunners.

London City Lionesses have also turned heads as they aim to challenge for top positions in the Women's Super League. They have snapped up Putellas, Earps, Mapi Leon, and Nicole Anyomi on free transfers, with Kadidiatou Diani arriving for a transfer fee to bolster their ranks even further.

However, plenty of clubs still have work to do. Barcelona, the reigning European champions, must rebuild after losing four core players — including Putellas. Chelsea, having said goodbye to both Kerr and Catarina Macario, are still hunting for a new centre-forward after being turned down by Khadija Shaw, Felicia Schroder, and Salma Paralluelo. Meanwhile, Manchester United are under pressure to strengthen after finishing outside the Champions League spots last season.

As the window enters the phase where deals for contracted players and large transfer fees become the focus, here are some of the biggest names who could still shape the headlines.

Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)

While most top free agents have been snapped up, one major name remains — Salma Paralluelo. Unlike teammates Putellas, Batlle, and Leon, her exit wasn’t confirmed before the end of the 2025-26 season, as her future was still undecided at the time.

Barcelona wished to keep the 22-year-old, who netted twice in the Champions League final victory over Lyon in May, but negotiations broke down when Paralluelo rejected the club's final offer. She also turned down Chelsea’s approach last month after the Blues refused to meet her salary expectations, reportedly exceeding £1 million per year ($1.34m).

Arsenal, London City, Lyon, and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring the Spain international, who can operate both out wide and centrally, and played a crucial role in Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup triumph.

Elisabeth Terland (Manchester United)

Players entering the final year of their contracts often attract interest, and Elisabeth Terland is a prime example. Despite finishing as Manchester United’s top scorer last season, The Athletic reported in May that the club might consider selling her this summer if a suitable offer arrives, rather than risk losing her for free in 2027.

Terland declined a new deal in November, though the club triggered a one-year extension in January. The Norwegian forward is said to prefer staying, yet a new agreement remains unsigned. Her situation could be further affected by Melvine Malard’s departure to Chelsea, which has weakened United’s attacking depth.

Having scored 27 goals in 59 matches for United, Terland is reportedly attracting strong interest this summer, according to The Cutback.

Patri Guijarro (Barcelona)

Barcelona will be desperate to avoid losing another star after the departures of Putellas, Leon, Batlle, and Paralluelo. However, Lyon — the team Barca beat in the Champions League final — have set their sights on Patri Guijarro, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Guijarro’s current deal runs until 2027, but Lyon are reportedly preparing a world-record offer for the Spanish midfielder, considered one of the best holding players in the world. Top English clubs are also watching closely. Barcelona are keen to tie her down to a new contract, but negotiations could become complex.

Romee Leuchter (Paris Saint-Germain)

With forwards like Shaw, Schroder, and Kerr already off the market, PSG’s Romee Leuchter has emerged as one of the most intriguing centre-forward options available. The 25-year-old clinched the French league’s Golden Boot last season with 18 goals in 20 matches and continues to improve her already impressive record.

Reports from Vrouwen Voetbal Nieuws suggested Leuchter was set to join Chelsea amid interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United. However, after Chelsea finalised the signing of Malard, the move collapsed, allegedly due to PSG’s increased asking price of €1 million (£850,000/$1.14m). The Athletic later contradicted this, claiming Malard was the only forward on Chelsea’s shortlist.

PSG are now believed to be working on a contract renewal, though English and American clubs remain interested.

Mayra Ramirez (Chelsea)

Despite missing all of 2025-26 due to a hamstring injury, Chelsea’s Mayra Ramirez has been linked with Real Madrid. ESPN first reported Madrid’s interest in March, followed by claims in April that talks had begun between the clubs. However, given Madrid’s recent signing of Felicia Schroder for a record fee, their pursuit of Ramirez now appears unlikely.

Still, the Colombian remains highly rated, and with Chelsea needing depth at centre-forward, a move seems improbable — though not completely off the table if Madrid reignite their interest.

Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich)

Barcelona previously showed strong interest in Germany star Klara Buhl, and that could resurface this summer. With only a year left on her Bayern Munich contract, Buhl has admitted feeling honoured by Barcelona’s past interest. Even Barca star Aitana Bonmati has said she’d like Buhl to join the Catalan side.

Given Paralluelo’s departure, Buhl becomes an obvious target if Barcelona can afford her. However, if financial constraints persist, other elite teams — including Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, and clubs in the U.S. and France — could step in for the 25-year-old winger.

Ella Toone (Manchester United)

It’s difficult to picture Ella Toone away from Manchester United, yet with just a year left on her contract, a move could happen. United triggered a one-year extension in January, with manager Marc Skinner explaining it allowed time for new contract talks later in the year.

However, six months on, no progress has been made. Speaking while on England duty in June, Toone said, “It’s time to talk. I just have to decide what’s best for me.”

Toone, a lifelong United fan and academy graduate, has been integral since rejoining the club in 2018. Still, the lack of trophies and Champions League football could tempt her elsewhere. At 26, she remains a prime target for top clubs across Europe.

Kerolin (Manchester City)

With Barcelona losing key attackers like Putellas and Paralluelo, they are reportedly pursuing Manchester City’s Kerolin to bolster their frontline. The Brazilian only joined City in January 2025, yet reports suggest the two clubs are discussing a transfer that would set a new club record for Barca, surpassing Keira Walsh’s 2022 fee.

However, Barcelona’s financial limitations could make a deal difficult, potentially opening the door for other top clubs to intervene. Known for her versatility and game-changing ability, Kerolin will no doubt be a player to watch this summer.

Vanessa Fudalla (Bayer Leverkusen)

Vanessa Fudalla was among the most productive players in the Frauen-Bundesliga last season. Only Klara Buhl and Selina Cerci contributed more goals, while Fudalla outscored nearly everyone else, earning Leverkusen’s Player of the Season award.

Still just 24, Fudalla has had a remarkable rise — from Bayern Munich’s youth team to scoring 63 goals in 95 league matches for RB Leipzig before joining Leverkusen in 2025. With only one year left on her contract, Leverkusen will want to extend her stay, but competition for her signature is expected.

Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain)

Jennifer Echegini was close to leaving PSG in January, with Chelsea pushing hard to sign her amid their title struggles. PSG, however, rejected multiple bids. With only a year left on her deal, the French side might reconsider their stance this summer rather than risk losing her for free next year.

After a disappointing scoring season, Chelsea could renew their interest, but other clubs are sure to be watching. Depending on her performances at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, Echegini’s value could rise even further.


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