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The much-anticipated 2026 summer transfer window has finally opened, and it is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent times for the women’s game. Big names like Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, and Beth Mead are all expected to make moves over the coming weeks and months. Several transfers have been the subject of long-standing speculation, awaiting only official confirmation, but as always, there are sure to be a few major surprises as well.

We saw plenty of unexpected twists last year when Manchester United and Manchester City effectively completed a swap deal involving Grace Clinton and Jess Park. Meanwhile, London City Lionesses broke the world record by signing Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain.

This summer, large transfer fees are once again expected to dominate headlines. Reports already suggest that Chelsea are preparing a massive bid for Swedish sensation Felicia Schroder, which could exceed the record amount paid for Geyoro.

Schroder is among several players not out of contract who could still be on the move. Other potential high-profile departures include PSG striker Romee Leuchter and Chelsea forward Mayra Ramirez, depending on the offers their clubs receive. In addition, several major free agents such as Georgia Stanway, Mapi Leon, and Ona Batlle are poised to take on new challenges at fresh destinations.

While some transfers prove to be beneficial for everyone involved, others often raise questions about the decisions made by the clubs or the players themselves. GOAL is here to evaluate which moves have worked out best across the women’s game. Throughout this transfer window, we’ll be assigning grades to every major signing as it happens, so you can easily track the biggest winners and losers of the off-season.

Check out all of our evaluations below, and share your thoughts in the comments section...

June 1: Katie McCabe (Arsenal to Chelsea)

For Arsenal: Arsenal’s handling of Katie McCabe’s contract situation has baffled many from the very beginning. Despite being a vital player and a reliable solution to multiple injury crises due to her versatility, the Gunners initially appeared ready to let the Ireland captain go. Unsurprisingly, she attracted significant attention as the summer window approached. Arsenal later reversed course by offering her a new deal, though reports from The Athletic indicated it was for a very specific role in the team’s future plans. That offer did not appeal to McCabe, who sought a new challenge. Although Arsenal’s acquisition of Barcelona full-back Ona Batlle softens the blow, it’s hard to ignore the sense that they may regret losing a player whose adaptability solved numerous issues last season—particularly since she will now be reinforcing a direct rival. Grade: D

For Chelsea: This is an outstanding acquisition for Chelsea—made even sweeter by the fact that they managed to secure McCabe ahead of Manchester City, the reigning WSL champions, who were believed to be close to signing her to strengthen a key position. Last season, Chelsea rotated between Niamh Charles, Sandy Baltimore, and Veerle Buurman at left-back, but none are natural fits for the role. McCabe’s arrival not only provides a genuine specialist but also allows Baltimore to move into her preferred attacking position, while Buurman can focus primarily on central defence, where she excels. Charles, who now looks likely to move to City, remains a strong player, but McCabe ranks among the world’s best in her position. Her addition significantly enhances Chelsea’s starting XI. Grade: A

For McCabe: Many Arsenal supporters have expressed disappointment over McCabe’s decision to join one of their fiercest rivals, especially after 11 years of dedicated service that cemented her as a club legend. However, at 30, McCabe remains a top-class player, and this transfer represents a chance to join another major club with strong ambitions. For her to continue playing in England at a high level, her options were naturally limited. Chelsea offers her an excellent fit—she is expected to be a key starter and will have opportunities to compete for major trophies, provided the club can bounce back from a relatively underwhelming season and reclaim its dominance of recent years. Given her dissatisfaction with Arsenal’s proposed role, this move represents a personal upgrade for McCabe. Grade: B