The amount of money spent in the transfer window may not be comparable to that of the men (a contrast shown by Keira Walsh's global transfer record of £350,000 when she moved from Manchester City to Barcelona in 2022 against the £198 million that PSG paid to sign Neymar from Barcelona). in 2017), but records were still broken in women's football last summer.
Manchester United (Geyse), Arsenal (Kyra Cooney-Cross) all broke their transfer records, and the English Women's Super League (WSL) record was also broken when Manchester City spent £300,000 to sign Dutch midfielder Jill Roord from Wolfsburg .
While the majority of deals made in women's football are free transfers, more than £3m was spent in the summer of 2023, more than double the previous record. So will the trend continue in January?
With the WSL window opening on January 1, here are the ratings for all the major confirmed transfers in the women's game, each listed in order of date and then highest fee.
All rates are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.
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January 10
Everton: A
Chelsea: B-
Björn's exit has been on the cards since last summer, so Everton will be happy to have secured a six-figure deal for the Sweden international, after an initial low-level attempt by Real Madrid, although they will need to return to invest money wisely.
Björn, who clearly needs an experienced centre-back option while Millie Bright remains injured, fits that bill for the Blues and, like many of coach Emma Hayes' recent signings, offers positional flexibility as a centre-back, full-back or midfielder.
January 6th
Arsenal: B
Aston Villa: B
Maritz spent three and a half straight years in north London, but it was clear that both club and player were ready for a new chapter. The Gunners were right to collect a fee, rather than lose the Swiss defender for free at the end of this season.
The history of Aston Villa's first half of the season suggests they have needs elsewhere on the pitch, but there is no doubt Maritz's experience will come in handy for boss Carla Ward.
January 5
San Diego Wave: B
City of Bristol: A
It was always going to be difficult for Yanez to displace Kaileen Sheridan at the Wave, but the former London City Lioness stepped up when necessary. Getting some money back from her transfer will be an advantage for Wave, who has other options as a backup goalkeeper.
The Robins' luck with goalkeepers so far this season has not been great, with captain and number one Fran Bentley injured in the first game of the season, leading to Olivia Clark's withdrawal from his loan at Watford. The arrival of Yáñez brings much-needed experience between the sticks for Bristol.
West Ham United: A
It could be a long, cold winter for Gorry's former club Vittsjö, who have lost several key players on free transfers and now find themselves with an increasingly polarized team in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.
With captain Dagný Brynjarsdóttir unable to participate this season because she is pregnant with her second child, the West Ham midfielder has missed her experience and strength. Although Gorry plays a deeper role than the Iceland international, his presence will be a considerable boost for the Hammers as they look to fully adapt to the Rehanne Skinner era.
Leicester City: A
Like his Damallsvenskan teammates Vittsjö and Hammarby, Linköping will lick their wounds after losing such a vital player on a free transfer.
Indeed, after returning from an ACL injury there were few players to impress as much in the league as Momiki and Leicester's ability to persuade the Japan international midfielder to move to the King Power Stadium shows what manager Willie Kirk is building. If Momiki manages to transfer his form to the WSL, he will probably go down as one of the smartest signings of the winter.
January 3
Tottenham: A-
It was at Vittsjö where the young Australian defender really developed her skills, but there was always the possibility that she would leave to continue her development elsewhere.
Having spent a considerable portion of his first half-season with Spurs playing with players out of position, it was unclear what manager Robert Vilahamn's plans were for this window. But the Spurs are getting a versatile defender who can cover both centrally and laterally, and she's only 22 years old.
January 2
Tottenham: A
As one of the most exciting young attacking players to emerge from Hammarby, winger Vinberg was on the radar of most of Europe's top teams.
Having battled rivals at the top of the WSL for her signature, Spurs pulled off a coup by convincing the 20-year-old Sweden international to join. She is likely to be key in helping them continue to develop her style under Vilahamn's direction.
January 1
West Ham United: A-
While Mewis may not be the first name that comes to mind when considering Gotham's historic season in the NSWL when they won the championship, the well-traveled midfielder played her part for the Bats. But by mutually dissolving his contract, Gotham not only allowed Mewis to take the next step in his career with ease, but also freed up a much-needed roster spot in the process.
Enjoying the best period of her career, the USWNT midfielder will be another player who can add much-needed experience and talent to a West Ham team that has yet to hit its stride. Adept at scoring, assisting and doing a considerable amount of work off the ball, Mewis will be important to Skinner as the manager looks to turn around the Irons' fortunes.
Leicester City: B
Always present in Linköping since his departure from Washington Spirit, the Damallsvenskan team will miss Takarada's consistency. But, like so many other Swedish teams, they could not prevent their players from leaving on free transfers once the season ended.
Needing to strengthen both in midfield and at the back, the Foxes made a shrewd first signing. The 23-year-old Japan international is adept in the backline as well as in the midfield, allowing for tactical flexibility if needed during the game.
Tottenham: B
A veteran with more than 100 caps for China, Wang's impact at Racing Louisville was limited. Although that is as much due to the club's lack of cohesion as anything else.
Arriving in north London without a run of good form under his belt, Wang should adapt to Vilahamn's style, with his versatility being an added advantage. Although with two forgettable spells outside the Chinese Women's Super League (at Racing and PSG) under her belt, Wang is hoping the third time is the charm with Spurs.
