Women's transfer news: Maren Mjelde returns to Norway; WSL youngsters head out on loan
With four weeks to go until the Women's Super League transfer window slams shut, business continues to ramp up as clubs prepare for the new season.
Some big moves were completed this week as Arsenal confirmed the signing of Rosa Kafaji, Tottenham Hotspur moved for Australia international Clare Hunt, and Cloe Lacasse departed the Emirates to join NWSL side Utah Royals.
90min brings you all the latest women’s football transfer news that you may have missed…
New contract and loan move for Jorja Fox
After suffering an ACL injury at the end of the 2022/23 season while on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, it was a turbulent year for the Chelsea academy graduate. She has now completed her rehabilitation and penned a new two-year deal with the west London club this week.
The 20-year-old has joined newly-promoted Crystal Palace on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, as the Eagles are set for their first ever campaign in the women's top flight. Under the leadership and guidance of Laura Kaminski, the right back will hope to regain the form she showed during her previous loan spell, and prior to her long-term injury.
Chelsea general manager Paul Green said: "We’re very happy to be extending Jorja’s contract for a further two years. We see this as a good opportunity for Jorja after getting back to full fitness following her injury."
Maren Mjelde returns to Norway
At the beginning of May, it was confirmed that Maren Mjelde would depart Chelsea at the end of the season after seven years with the club. She initially joined the club back in 2017, and she made over 130 appearances across all competitions in that time.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed in Norway the 34-year-old had returned to her homeland to join her former club Arna-Bjornar on a short-term deal for the 2024 season. The team are currently bottom of the league without a win after 15 games, and it is hoped Mjelde's arrival will help them steer clear of relegation.
Birmingham City sign Simone Magill
Simone Magill departed Aston Villa at the end of last season following the expiry of her contract. The forward's time in claret and blue was hampered by injuries as she sustained an ACL injury back in 2022.
She has now joined local rivals Birmingham City in the Championship as they target promotion and a return to the WSL. Magill has signed a two-year deal with the club that runs until the summer of 2026.
"The ambition and the direction here is very exciting," the 29-year-old told BluesTV. "When deciding on my next move for me in my career, I feel like it was a good decision to come, I feel like the fit was right and, hopefully, I can play a part in getting this Club to where it wants to be."
Arsenal youngster joins London City Lionesses on loan
Another WSL youngster has departed on loan for the upcoming season, this time it's Arsenal's Teyah Goldie. The 20-year-old suffered an ACL injury 12 months ago, and is now ready to return to regular action.
The defender has joined Championship side London City Lionesses for 2024/25 campaign, having acquired previous experience in the second tier with Watford back in 2022. She is London City's first defensive arrival this summer as she joins Grace Neville, Emma Mukandi, Georgia Brougham, Megan Campbell, Maddi Wilde, and Corinne Henson in the Pride's backline.
Spurs goalkeeper joins Slavia Prague
Earlier this week, Tottenham confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Barbora Votikova to Slavia Prague. The Czech Republic international initially joined Spurs last summer following the expiration of her contract with PSG.
Last season, she made six appearances in the WSL and 11 across all competitions. However, she has now completed a permanent transfer away from Tottenham as she rejoins Slavia in her homeland, who she previously played for between 2014 and 2021.
