17 May 2023 , 16:32
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The transfer market in the women's game is evolving year on year.
And before the 2023 Women's World Cup finals this summer, we could see the busiest off-season ever for some of Europe's top clubs. Some of the biggest names in the sport will be available on a free transfer this summer as their contracts expire at the end of the season.
The top end of the WSL is likely to both gain and lose some star power, as clubs competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League move to close the gap on the established elite with new recruits. With the transfer window only just over a month away, Mirror Football has taken a look at some of the big 'Bosman' moves that could take place.
Here are six of the best free agents set to be on the move this summer.
Pernille Harder - Chelsea
Only a few years ago Pernille Harder cost Chelsea a transfer fee that was a world record in the women's game. Now she is set to leave for nothing.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
One of the best creative forces in Europe, the Dane has enjoyed a successful spell at the Blues, although she has struggled for much of this season with a hamstring injury. Her recent return to the side looks to have given Emma Hayes' team and extra edge as they pursue a league and cup double and she assisted Sam Kerr's winner in the FA Cup final.
But Harder is still set to leave this summer. Reports in Germany, via fotbollskanalen, say she has agreed a contract with Champions League quarter-finalists Bayern Munich from next season.
Likely destination: Bayern Munich
Pernille Harder has been in great form for Chelsea since returning from injuryOna Batlle - Man United
Man Utd's surprise title challenge has shaken up the WSL this season. Full-back Ona Batlle has arguably been their player of the season, yet could still leave the club even if they do win the title over the coming weeks.
Batlle, who signed for the Red Devils in 2020, has been crucial to United's growth in recent years. But if a contract isn't signed by this point, Marc Skinner's hopes of retaining her services appear remote.
A return to Spain has been mooted throughout the season and links with a move to PSG have remained consistent, although Chelsea are also thought to be interested. Eve Perisset was solid in the cup final, but Batlle would provide the Blues with a significant upgrade and weaken a domestic rival.
Likely destination: PSG
Alessia Russo - Man United
England's star forward could well be on the move before the World Cup. Alessia Russo, along with Batlle, has played a huge role in United's charge to the top of the WSL with only a few games remaining.
But the 24-year-old hasn't signed a new deal at the Red Devils, despite her excellent form. She was the subject of two world record bids on January transfer deadline day, from that were swiftly rejected by United but the Gunners may well come calling again.
Russo could also attract interest from Chelsea, where she was the former youth captain before moving across the Atlantic to the North Carolina Tar Heels. The forward may even fancy following in the footsteps of England teammates Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh and play her football overseas.
Man Utd boss Skinner sends firm message to Arsenal over Russo contract saga
Likely destination: Arsenal
Will the 2023 Women's FA Cup final be Alessia Russo's only major final in a Manchester United shirt?Magda Eriksson - Chelsea
The Chelsea skipper has been, like her partner Pernille Harder, linked heavily with a move to Bayern in recent weeks. Eriksson has been a rock, both in the centre of defence and at left back, for Emma Hayes in recent years but at this point in her career seems to be leaning towards a new challenge.
Having won everything there is to win at Kingsmeadow, bar the Champions League, Blues’ supporters would have nothing but the fondest wishes for a player who has come to define their latest era. Eriksson has played over 100 games for the club and has very rarely put a foot wrong on the biggest stage.
Even in the recent Champions League semi-final, where Chelsea missed both Kadeisha Buchanan and Millie Bright through injury, Eriksson lead her team with an outstanding performance. Buchanan has adapted quickly to life in England, but even with her and Bright at the back next season, Chelsea would still miss their colossal captain.
Likely destination: Bayern Munich
Ashley Lawrence - PSG
If Eriksson departs, Chelsea and Hayes will need to bring in at least one defender in the summer and the perfect replacement may also come from the free agent market. PSG’s Ashley Lawrence is available on a free transfer this year after six years in the French capital.
The Canadian full-back is one of the best and most experienced in her position on the planet. With over 110 caps for her country, Lawrence’s signature will attract plenty of interest from across Europe.
But Chelsea’s budget and prime location could give them pole position to win the race. Lawrence is also thought to be in talks with Real Madrid and Lyon, but if the WSL holders can bring to her to England it will be a real statement for the pulling power of the league.
Ashley Lawrence of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finalDzsenifer Marozsan - Lyon
Something of a wildcard considering she is in the autumn of her career but Dzsenifer Marozsan could still offer plenty to an elite European club. The German midfielder has won 112 caps but retired from international football in March and won't be at the World Cup.
Marozsan suffered an ACL ahead of Euro 2022 and has faced a long road back to full fitness since, with her deal at Champions League holders Lyon expiring this summer. But at 31 she still potentially has plenty of football left in her and could be a shrewd signing without having to pay a transfer fee.
Having played club football in USA and Germany as well as France, could she be tempted by a spell in the WSL? On the other hand, if Bayern wanted the perfect cover for Georgia Stanway and Sarah Zadrazil, Marozsan would fit the bill perfectly.
Likely destination: Bayern Munich
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