Transfer Thursday: Aston Villa confirm Natalia Arroyo appointment, Chloe Kelly linked with Man Utd and all the latest WSL news
As the business end of the January transfer window approaches, there has been plenty of movement in and out of the Women’s Super League.
Manchester City have been hard at work with both incomings and outgoings, whilst Chelsea have agreed a world record fee for American defender Naomi Girma.
In the latest edition of Transfer News Blitz’s WSL special, ‘Transfer Thursday’, Content Editor Edward Moss rounds up all the latest news and rumours from the past week.
Aston Villa appoint Natalia Arroyo
Eighth-placed Aston Villa confirmed the appointment of Spanish head coach Natalia Arroyo on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Birmingham club after Robert de Pauw was sacked in December.
The former Real Sociedad head coach faces a visit from league leaders Chelsea in her first game in charge of Aston Villa.
Sonia Bompastor’s side are yet to lose a game this season and travel to Villa Park on Sunday, 2 February.
Chloe Kelly could trade blue for red
Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly has been restricted to just one start in the Women’s Super League this season.
The Telegraph have reported that City’s Manchester rivals United are interested in taking the 26-year-old on loan for the rest of the season.
This comes after the forward was left out of Man City’s squad for the Manchester derby, as the Red Devils came out 4-2 winners.
Kelly, who was the hero as England won the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2022, will have one eye on the upcoming Euros this summer and will need to be playing regular football if she wants to be part of the Lionesses squad for the competition.
One in, one out
Manchester City have had a busy week, as the Blues confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Kerolin Nicoli from North Carolina Courage.
The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Manchester club, which made her City’s third signing of the month.
The Cityzens also confirmed the departure of Scottish shot-stopper Sandy Maclver, who has joined American side Washington Spirit.
The 26-year-old made 11 appearances for Man City since joining the club from Everton in 2022.
Chelsea agree world record fee
Chelsea have agreed a women’s world record transfer fee for San Diego Wave defender Girma.
The Blues have been heavily linked with the 24-year-old, who is now expected to become Bompastor’s first January signing.
The West London club will shell out £890,000 for the American, as they look set to break the current record of £695,000 from Racheal Kundananji’s move to Bay FC in February 2023.
The centre-back is expected to have a medical with Chelsea this week.
Brighton add to defence
Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland defender Caitlin Hayes on Thursday.
The 29-year-old joins the Seagulls from Scottish club Celtic, where the defender spent four-and-a-half-years, winning one Scottish Women’s Premier League, two Scottish Women’s Cups and one Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup.
Hayes has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Celtic this season and will add a wealth of Champions League experience to the Brighton backline.
Follow all the latest January window rumours and deals with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us on BlueSky as we continue to tell it like it is when it comes to transfer talk.
READ MORE: Transfer Thursday: Tottenham sign Leicester City goalkeeper Lize Kop and more in the latest WSL news
