Women’s Football Transfer News: Engen to London City, Katoto to Lyon, Rytting Kaneryd Stays with Chelsea – Detailed Insights
As the summer transfer window for the 2025/26 season heats up, Europe’s top women’s football clubs are actively reshaping their squads ahead of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 (July 2–27) and the upcoming domestic campaigns. The transfer market is abuzz with high-profile moves, particularly among elite clubs in the Women’s Super League (WSL), Liga F, and Division 1 Féminine. This article provides detailed insights into the major transfer headlines involving Ingrid Engen’s potential move to London City Lionesses, Marie Katoto’s transfer to Olympique Lyonnais, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s contract extension with Chelsea,
Ingrid Engen Set for London City Lionesses
Norwegian midfielder Ingrid Engen is poised to make a significant move from FC Barcelona Femení to London City Lionesses, a newly promoted WSL side, following the Copa de la Reina final on June 7, 2025. According to journalist María Tikas, Engen’s departure from Barcelona is driven by her own decision, despite interest from Olympique Lyonnais, where her former coach Jonatan Giráldez now works. The 26-year-old, known for her composure, tactical intelligence, and ability to play as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, has been a cornerstone of Barcelona’s success, including their 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign.
London City Lionesses, backed by owner Michele Kang and sporting director Markel Zubizarreta, are making bold moves to establish themselves in the WSL. The club has already signed former Barcelona midfielder María Pérez and ex-Real Madrid star Kosovare Asllani, signaling their ambition to compete with England’s top teams. Engen’s potential transfer, with London City as the frontrunner, is a statement of intent. Her versatility and experience—68 caps for Norway and multiple titles with Barcelona—make her a marquee signing for a club aiming to disrupt the WSL hierarchy. However, the deal is not finalized, and a last-minute move to Lyon remains a possibility, given Giráldez’s familiarity with Engen.
The move reflects broader trends in women’s football, where newly promoted clubs with significant investment are targeting high-caliber players to bridge the gap with established giants like Chelsea and Arsenal. London City’s recruitment strategy, under Kang’s leadership, emphasizes building a competitive squad with international stars, which could reshape the WSL’s competitive landscape.
Marie Katoto Joins Olympique Lyonnais
French striker Marie Katoto’s transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Olympique Lyonnais is one of the most significant moves of the window. The 25-year-old, who has scored 143 goals in 183 appearances for PSG, is a proven goalscorer and a key figure for the French national team. Her move to Lyon, reported by sources including Flepe Futbol Fem, strengthens a squad already boasting stars like Kadidiatou Diani and Ada Hegerberg. Lyon, who last won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2022, are determined to reclaim European dominance after Arsenal’s triumph in 2025. Katoto’s clinical finishing and aerial presence make her a perfect fit for Lyon’s attacking philosophy.
This transfer is particularly significant as Lyon prepare for their UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 opener against England on July 5. Katoto’s experience in high-stakes matches, including PSG’s consistent challenges in the Champions League, positions her as a pivotal player for Lyon’s domestic and European ambitions. The move also highlights Lyon’s continued dominance in the transfer market, leveraging their financial power and storied history to attract top talent. However, Katoto’s departure is a blow to PSG, who now face the challenge of replacing their record goalscorer ahead of a competitive Division 1 Féminine season.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd Extends with Chelsea
Chelsea Women have secured the services of Swedish winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd with a contract extension until the summer of 2027. The 27-year-old, known for her explosive pace and flair on the flanks, has been a vital part of Chelsea’s success under manager Emma Hayes, contributing to their WSL titles and strong showings in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Rytting Kaneryd expressed her delight, stating, “Since the first day I stepped into this club, it has felt like home,” highlighting her commitment to Chelsea’s project.
The extension comes at a critical time for Chelsea, who are navigating a challenging period with the withdrawal of captain Millie Bright from England’s EURO 2025 squad due to mental and physical health concerns, alongside the retirements of Fran Kirby and Mary Earps from international duty. Rytting Kaneryd’s renewal provides stability and continuity in Chelsea’s attacking lineup, particularly as they prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025/26 WSL season. Her ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities will be crucial, especially with Lauren James’ fitness in doubt for the Euros.
Broader Context and Implications
Impact of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025
The impending UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, starting July 2 in Switzerland, is heavily influencing transfer activity. Clubs are prioritizing players who can make an immediate impact, as seen with Katoto’s move to Lyon, which strengthens France’s domestic core ahead of their opener against England. Similarly, Engen’s potential move to London City aligns with their strategy to build a squad capable of competing in the WSL while leveraging her international experience for Norway’s Euro campaign. Chelsea’s decision to extend Rytting Kaneryd’s contract reflects their focus on maintaining squad depth amidst England’s injury concerns and retirements.
England’s Lionesses, in particular, face challenges following a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, where Clàudia Pina’s brace highlighted Spain’s dominance. The retirements of Fran Kirby and Mary Earps, coupled with Millie Bright’s withdrawal and Ella Morris’ ACL injury, have depleted England’s experience, with 218 international caps lost in just eight days. This has prompted clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal to prioritize signings that can bolster their squads for both domestic and international commitments.
Transfer Window Dynamics
The WSL transfer window opens on June 18 and closes on September 4, 2025, slightly later than the men’s window due to the Euros and the FIFA Club World Cup. This extended period allows clubs to assess players’ performances at the tournament, with stars like Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí and England’s Alessia Russo likely to attract interest. In contrast, Liga F and Division 1 Féminine have aligned their windows with the men’s, opening from June 1–10, enabling early signings for clubs like Lyon and Barcelona.
The split window structure, necessitated by the Club World Cup, has created a strategic divide. Clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, participating in the global competition, are prioritizing early deals to ensure squad readiness, while others are waiting post-Euros to capitalize on standout performers. This dynamic has led to a surge in early activity, with London City’s pursuit of Engen exemplifying the ambition of smaller clubs to compete with established powers.
