Chloe Kelly, Korbin Albert and the Top 10 Women’s Free Agents in the 2025 Summer Transfer Window

Blockbuster Summer Ahead for Women’s Football

As the footballing world gears up for a jam-packed summer featuring the European Championships in Switzerland, the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and Copa America in Ecuador, there is just as much buzz swirling off the pitch as on it. The 2025 women’s summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With top-tier talent available for free, clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea, Lyon, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain face the real risk of losing key players without compensation.

1. Marie-Antoinette Katoto – A PSG Legend On the Move

Marie-Antoinette Katoto PSG Women 2024-25

After 14 years with Paris Saint-Germain, Marie-Antoinette Katoto has confirmed her departure. A mainstay since her academy days, the prolific striker leaves as the club’s all-time top scorer. Despite Fabrice Abriel’s exit after PSG’s French Cup final loss to Paris FC, Katoto is unwavering in her decision. Her next destination? All roads point to a controversial move to Lyon, PSG’s long-standing rivals.

2. Chloe Kelly – Redemption Arc Complete

Arsenal WFC v FC Barcelona – UEFA Women’s Champions League Final

Few stories this season have captured fans’ hearts quite like Chloe Kelly’s. Frozen out at Manchester City under Gareth Taylor, her loan to Arsenal on January’s deadline day reignited her career. Playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph, Kelly found not only form but joy.

“If it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful,” she said post-final. Despite City fans hoping for a return post-Taylor, her explosive remarks about the club’s treatment make a permanent exit likely. Arsenal will want to keep her, but other suitors are undoubtedly circling.

3. Lizbeth Ovalle – Mexico’s Rising Star

Lizbeth Ovalle Tigres Women 2024

One of the most talked-about names outside Europe and the U.S., Lizbeth Ovalle has elite clubs lining up. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and more have reportedly shown interest. Her current club, Tigres, tried to secure a renewal or a winter sale. Now, speculation swirls around whether her contract expires in June or December. Washington Spirit already has an offer on the table, marking Ovalle as a name to watch.

4. Laia Aleixandri – Returning Home

Laia Aleixandri Man City Women 2024-25

Laia Aleixandri is set for a return to her roots. The Spanish international will leave Manchester City and rejoin Barcelona, the club she left eight years ago. A four-year deal is reportedly signed. With uncertainty around Barca’s backline, her return is both emotional and strategic.

5. Ingrid Engen – Lyon Bound

Ingrid Engen Barcelona Women 2024-25

While Irene Paredes may re-sign with Barcelona, Ingrid Engen is heading elsewhere. Relevo reports the Norwegian midfielder will join Lyon, seeking the central role she once held at Wolfsburg. It’s a smart addition for the French giants, who continue to rebuild after several departures.

6. Rasheedat Ajibade – A Star Without a Destination

Rasheedat Ajibade Atletico Madrid Women 2024-25

Rasheedat Ajibade has been a fan favorite at Atletico Madrid for four years. As her time with the Spanish side concludes after the Copa de la Reina final, she leaves as one of Liga F’s brightest attacking talents. Rumors suggest the NWSL is calling, though no specific club has emerged. At just 25, her best years may still lie ahead.

7. Olga Carmona – From Madrid to Paris

Olga Carmona Real Madrid Women 2024-25

Olga Carmona’s departure from Real Madrid is another headline exit. Captain, World Cup-winning hero, and club stalwart, Carmona is reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain. With Real Madrid also searching for a new head coach, her loss signals a transitional period for Las Blancas.

8. Sara Dabritz – Real Madrid’s Midfield Upgrade

Sara Dabritz Lyon Women 2024-25

Sara Dabritz struggled to cement a starting role at Lyon but remains a high-caliber talent. Following her departure, she is set to join Real Madrid. The German midfielder offers composure, vision, and European pedigree, making her a valuable pickup for the Spanish club.

9. Danielle van de Donk – A Free Agent with Options

Danielle van de Donk Lyon Women 2024-25

Where Danielle van de Donk will land remains a mystery. Despite a strong season with Lyon, her omission in key matches raised eyebrows. Known for her relentless energy and creativity, the Dutch international will enhance any midfield she joins. Top European clubs are surely interested.

10. Korbin Albert – The US Star on the Rise

Korbin Albert PSG Women 2024-25

Korbin Albert is another PSG departure and, like Katoto, she might end up in Lyon. Having joined PSG in early 2023, the American midfielder has impressed and is reportedly close to signing with the reigning European champions. A move that might also benefit the USWNT, with Albert potentially forming a midfield duo with Lindsey Horan.

Honorable Mentions

Other notable players have already made key moves to avoid free agency drama. Bayern Munich locked in Klara Bühl, Manchester United secured Jayde Riviere, and Chelsea extended both Millie Bright and Erin Cuthbert. Meanwhile, Wolfsburg saw Jule Brand depart for Lyon and Sveindis Jonsdottir head to Angel City.

Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Summer

With tournaments dominating the calendar and contracts expiring rapidly, this summer represents a significant reshaping of the women’s football landscape. Whether it’s legacy players like Katoto and Carmona, redemption stories like Chloe Kelly’s, or rising stars like Ovalle and Albert, clubs must act swiftly and strategically. For fans, it’s set to be a thrilling few months of transfer drama.