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The upcoming summer transfer window in women’s football is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with numerous high-profile moves expected. From Alexia Putellas and Georgia Stanway to Sam Kerr, Mary Earps, Ona Batlle, and Mapi Leon, the next few months promise plenty of drama. Several stars, including Beth Mead and Katie McCabe, have already completed their transfers. Yet, beyond the big names, there are rising young players with immense potential who are attracting increasing attention.

Among these emerging stars is Felicia Schroder, the Swedish international striker who has captured headlines recently. The 19-year-old netted 30 goals and registered nine assists in the Damallsvenskan last season, before leading Hacken to Europa Cup success in May with eight goals—the highest in the competition. Reports indicate that Chelsea have tabled a world-record bid for her, with several other elite clubs also keen on her signature.

Meanwhile, Erica Parkinson, who became the youngest player to earn a senior England call-up under Sarina Wiegman, is another promising talent likely to move. The 18-year-old was named Best Young Player in the Portuguese league for the 2024-25 season and improved further for Valadares Gaia in the subsequent campaign. Parkinson has been linked with a switch to the NWSL, where a growing number of young English players, including Laila Harbert—ranked 15th on the NXGN 2026 list—are heading.

Now, RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old winger Lisa Baum has joined this exciting group of young prospects attracting major attention. According to reports from Bild, the Bundesliga side is set to receive a significant transfer fee for the teenager, with Barcelona, Lyon, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and London City Lionesses all interested. However, Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for Baum’s signature.

So who exactly is Lisa Baum, the talented winger who has drawn the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs? What makes her such a standout player?

Early Life and Beginnings

Born in Tanzania to a German father and Tanzanian mother, Baum moved to Germany with her family at the age of four. Her passion for football began early, often playing with her older brother Dennis, who tragically passed away in a car accident at 17. Baum honours his memory on the pitch, wearing his initials on her boots and a wrist tape bearing his name and a quote. “That way, he’s always with me,” she told Die Welt. “I wish he was here and could see everything I do.”

After settling in Germany, Baum began at MTV Ahrensbok before joining TSV Pansdorf, where she was the only girl on the team. Her performances soon caught the attention of Hamburg, whose youth academy she joined as a teenager. In August 2022, aged just 15, she signed her first senior contract with HSV, committing to the club until 2025.

Although she eventually left Hamburg when her contract expired to join RB Leipzig on a free transfer, Baum played a crucial role in helping Hamburg earn promotion to the Frauen-Bundesliga for the first time since 2012. During her time there, she also helped the club reach the DFB-Pokal semi-finals while securing promotion to the top division.

As she progressed at club level, Baum became a fixture in Germany’s youth national teams. She played for the Under-16s at 14, the Under-17s at 15, and appeared in all five matches as Germany reached the U20 World Cup quarter-finals at just 17. More recently, she has been a regular with the U23 side despite still being only 19.

Breakthrough Moment

Baum was in high demand last summer, with Bayern Munich—her childhood favourite—among those interested, according to Kicker. However, she opted to join RB Leipzig, citing a desire for “a fresh start” after four years at Hamburg and expressing admiration for Leipzig’s ambition.

Having earned promotion to the top flight in 2023, Leipzig are still establishing themselves in the Bundesliga, and Baum’s decision proved wise. She received significant playing time, with only three players logging more league minutes than her last season. By the end of the campaign, she was Leipzig’s joint-top scorer with six goals and two assists in 23 starts, helping the team finish 10th in the 14-team league. Her pace, flair, and ability to beat defenders made her one of the standout young performers in Germany, leading to widespread transfer speculation.

Current Situation

Despite it being her first season in the Bundesliga, Baum could soon be on the move again. Bayern Munich remain interested, as do Barcelona—the reigning European champions whom she has admired watching—along with Manchester United, Lyon, and London City. Lyon, notably, were defeated by Barcelona in last month’s Champions League final.

According to Bild, Arsenal are currently leading the race to sign her. The Gunners have seen several departures recently, including England international Beth Mead’s move to Manchester City. Head coach Renee Slegers is expected to strengthen her wide options, and Baum’s playing style appears to fit perfectly with the team’s needs.

Strengths and Playing Style

Baum’s most defining attribute is her directness. She thrives on driving forward with speed and intent, constantly putting defenders under pressure. Her quick acceleration, skill on the ball, and ability to use both feet make her unpredictable. She can cut inside for a shot or deliver a cross with equal confidence and was ranked joint-seventh for chances created in the Bundesliga last season—a remarkable feat for a player in a mid-table side.

In front of goal, Baum possesses a powerful shot, particularly with her left foot, and shows strong anticipation in attacking areas. Off the ball, her work rate and energy in pressing are impressive, reflecting her determination to contribute defensively as well. Her former Hamburg coach, Marwin Bolz, described her as “determined to improve not just her football skills, but also her physical and mental strength.”

Areas for Development

As with most young players, Baum still has aspects of her game to refine. Her pressing, while enthusiastic, sometimes lacks precision, and she needs to develop a better sense of when to attack directly versus when to retain possession to build play. These are areas that are expected to improve with experience and coaching at the elite level. At times, she can drift out of games, but that is typical for young forwards adjusting to top-flight football. Gaining consistency and adapting to the physicality of higher-level competition will come with more exposure.

Comparison and Potential

Baum’s dribbling, close control, and direct attacking style evoke comparisons to Manchester City’s Kerolin. Like the Brazilian, she can operate across multiple forward positions, always seeking to create opportunities. However, Baum, being slightly taller, has the potential to develop into a more physically imposing attacker. Her ability to cut inside and shoot from distance also brings to mind Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo, whose long-range efforts were pivotal in the recent Champions League final. Baum exhibits similar instincts while maintaining the classic attributes of a wide player.

The Road Ahead

Having completed just one Bundesliga season, Baum’s next move will be crucial for her development. Although she lacks extensive experience at the top level, her senior career already includes several seasons of competitive football. Arsenal, currently seen as favourites, have a mixed record when it comes to integrating young signings like Kathrine Kuhl, Rosa Kafaji, and Gio Queiroz. However, Smilla Holmberg’s recent progress under Slegers could signal a new era of youth development at the club.

Arsenal’s rotation policy for wide players could benefit Baum, allowing her gradual exposure to the Women’s Super League. Slegers often interchanges her wingers during matches, giving younger players the opportunity to adapt without intense pressure. Nonetheless, competition for Baum’s signature remains fierce. Barcelona, Lyon, and Bayern all have strong reputations for nurturing young talent, while Manchester United and London City may offer more immediate playing time.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Baum and her advisors. It is a pivotal choice, but she appears mature enough to make it wisely. “My goal isn’t to be a star; I just want to be happy with what I do,” she told Die Welt earlier this year, adding that her focus is on the 2029 home European Championship rather than next summer’s World Cup. With that level-headed mindset and her remarkable ability, Lisa Baum’s future looks exceptionally bright.