- A bunch of players have said goodbye to the WSL
- The NWSL has attracted a number of stars leaving England
- Some shock departures top the list so this summer
The summer transfer window has already seen a lot of players arrive at clubs in the Barclays Women's Super League, while some fan favourites have said goodbye ahead of the upcoming season.
At footballboast, we’ve taken a look at the players who've said goodbye to England's top flight as they begin pastures new, either across the pond in the United States, or elsewhere in Europe.
Jess Carter (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
After six years at Chelsea, defender Jess Carter took the plunge to move across the pond to join reigning NWSL champions NJ/NY Gotham FC.
The England international has penned a multi-year deal that will keep her stateside until 2026. Speaking to The Equalizer about the move, Carter said: "It was always about timing, but over the years I have seen the league grow in a really positive direction."
Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns)
Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold is now a Portland Thorns player after leaving West Ham United.
The international stopper had spent four years in east London, making 90 appearances across all competitions, as well as captaining the side during the 2023/24 season.
Arnold will stay at the Thorns until the 2026 season, with the option to extend by a further year.
Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit)
England defender Esme Morgan has swapped Manchester City for Washington Spirit.
The 23-year-old penned an emotional letter to City fans upon announcing her departure at the end of May, after being at the club since Under-15 level and progressing through the ranks.
Sheffield-born Morgan signed a four-year deal with NWSL side Washington Spirit in mid-July.
Gio Querioz (Atletico Madrid)
Gio Queiroz exited Arsenal in early August to complete a permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid.
The 21-year-old winger had joined the Gunners in September 2022 and made a total of 11 appearances during her time with the club. She will remain at Atletico until 2027.
Alisha Lehmann (Juventus)
Juventus have secured the arrival of winger Alisha Lehmann on a three-year contract.
The Switzerland international, who has 17m followers on Instagram, has spent the last three seasons at Aston Villa, but will now stay at the Serie A club until the summer of 2027.
During her time at Villa, she helped the club achieve its best-ever WSL finish, as well as semi-final appearances in both domestic cup competitions. Including previous spells at West Ham and Everton, Lehmann had been playing in England since 2018 when she was a teenager.
Melanie Leupolz (Real Madrid)
Chelsea are mourning the loss of former Germany midfielder Melanie Leupolz to Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old has spent the last four years in west London, following her arrival from German side Bayern Munich in 2020, and won the WSL title each season.
As a Blue, she made 83 appearances across all competitions and scored ten goals. She joins Real Madrid after the club placed second in La Liga last season, for their second successive campaign.
Mary Earps (Paris Saint-Germain)
England goalkeeper Mary Earps signed a two-year deal earlier this summer with French giants Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old moved on from Manchester United, following the expiry of her contract. It's understood that the Red Devils offered Earps a new deal that was turned down, explaining the club were preparing to "undergo a period of transition" that "did not align" with where she is in her career.
Emma Koivisto (AC Milan)
Defender Emma Koivisto has arrived at AC Milan after two seasons at Liverpool.
She moved to the Reds in 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion, and made 51 appearances. During her time at the club, Koivisto was instrumental in helping head coach Matt Beard's team rebuild following promotion and climb back towards the top end of the table.
