Putellas to Bayern; Paralluelo to Arsenal: Women’s transfers we wish we’d seen

Putellas to Bayern; Paralluelo to Arsenal: Women's transfers we wish we'd seen. Skip to main content Skip to navigation Putellas to Bayern; Paralluelo to Arsenal: Women's transfers we wish we'd seen10hYash ThakurMLS Power Rankings: Griezmann catapults Orlando into the playoff picture4hJoe LoweryNWSL Power Rankings: Washington leaps to top spot as Gotham, San Diego slip up2hArianna CasconeChelsea are on the rise, but Arsenal remain kings of Premier League22hMark Ogden and James OlleyAnother game, more dropped points: Are Man United still a work in progress?

What happened

Alexia Putellas to Bayern MunichActual move: Joined London City Lionesses, Free Ideal move: Bayern MunichPutellas is arguably the most recognizable name in women's football after a decade as the face of the sport's most successful club side, Barcelona. Putellas would have filled a hole in Bayern's midfield after the departures of Georgia Stanway (Arsenal) and Arianna Caruso (Real Madrid), and her leadership skills could have added a winning dimension to a young, promising squad. The German side lost to Putellas and her Barcelona teammates in the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) semifinals last season, and adding the two-time Ballon d'Or winner would certainly have improved their credentials this time out.

Salma Paralluelo to ArsenalActual move: Joined OL Lyonnes, Free Ideal move: ArsenalParalluelo's move garnered a lot of attention as she joined forces with Kang's OL Lyonnes just a couple of months after sinking them with a brace in the UWCL final. Paralluelo's athleticism and innate ability to get into the box in goal-scoring positions would have been enough to transform Arsenal from WSL title contenders to favorites. Georgia Stanway to OL LyonnesActual move: Joined Arsenal, Free Ideal move: OL LyonnesStanway has established herself as one of the best midfielders in women's soccer in recent years.

There were plenty of big transfer moves in women's soccer this summer, but which players would have been a better fit elsewhere?

The wider picture

2dLluís BouMissed chances, defensive mistake: Chelsea's WSL revenge campaign starts with a stumble2dEmily KeoghPutellas, new-look London City's win vs. Man United should put WSL on notice3dTom HamiltonTrue-cost ranking: The 50 most expensive Premier League transfers this summer3dRyan O'HanlonThe summer transfer window saw plenty of moves, but they weren't all perfect. Getty ImagesYash ThakurMultiple AuthorsSep 7, 2026, 03:00 AM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFIFA has confirmed that there were more international transfers (1,406) and for more money ($28. 6 million) in women's soccer this summer than ever before.

Here are seven transfers from this summer that would have made more sense than where they actually ended up. London City's billionaire owner Michele Kang has grand plans, but it is Bayern who are closest to breaking into the highest echelon of European football. Ona Batlle to Real MadridActual move: Joined Arsenal, Free Ideal move: Real MadridFormer Manchester United defender Batlle made her return to England after three successful years at Barcelona, during which she won multiple collective accolades and established herself as one of the best full backs in the sport.

Real Madrid head coach Pau Quesada has overseen a massive turnover this summer, bringing in fresh faces across midfield and attack.

What has been reported

However, it would have been a little controversial as there haven't been any direct moves from Barcelona to Real Madrid in the women's game so far. However, there is an argument to be made that a move to Arsenal would have made just as much sense. But with Paralluelo on the left, they could have had one of the most devastating attacks in Europe. The former Man City star moved back to the WSL this summer after enjoying four successful years at Bayern Munich and played a crucial role in their four league title wins.

Sam Kerr to WolfsburgActual move: Joined Gotham FC, Free Ideal move: WolfsburgKerr is still one of the best goal scorers in women's soccer and is a rare type of striker who can score in seemingly any situation and against any opponent. Mapi León to ArsenalActual move: Joined London City Lionesses, Free Ideal move: ArsenalThe Spain defender formed one part of a dominant Barcelona defensive spine, shutting out some of Europe's best attacking units in recent years, but opted to move on after nine years at the club.

Arsenal missed out on the WSL title last season after struggling with injuries and depth and, chiefly, they lacked options at center back after losing club captain Leah Williamson and young center back Katie Reid to injuries. Her aggressive defending would have helped Arsenal's pressing, while she also has an incredible vision and passing range in her repertoire, making her a genuine creative option for the Gunners.

What happens next

Arsenal were on the cusp of making back-to-back UWCL final last season, but an experienced figure like Leon could have given them a better chance to reach the summit again this year. 1dBeth LindopPremier League VAR review: Should Forest's goal have stood vs. 2dAndy DaviesYamal already has 50 goals for Barcelona! When did Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, Haaland reach half-centuries? Among all those moves, there were some that made more sense than others and where a player goes is down to a wide range of factors, both in and out their control.

But could there have been a better landing spot for some players? The 32-year-old midfielder called time on her stay at Camp Nou this summer, eventually making a blockbuster switch to WSL side London City.