Women's Football Breaks Transfer Records: Grace Geyoro Sets New Standard at $1.9 Million

Women's Football Transfer Records Soar: A New Era for the Sport In a groundbreaking move, France midfielder Grace Geyoro became the most expensive player in women's football history when she transferred to London City Lionesses in September 2025 for approximately $1.9 million. This record-breaking transfer is the fifth of its kind this year, with each player moving to either the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the USA or the Women's Super League (WSL) in England. "It's a very good sign," said women's football agent Jasmina Covic. "The record is being broken every couple of months. It's good for the ecosystem. If I look back 10 years, there were just a few transfers with any fees, now you see it all the time." Geyoro's transfer follows in the footsteps of other high-profile moves, including Pernille Harder's $280,000 move from Wolfsburg to Chelsea FC in 2018. However, the recent surge in transfer records is a testament to the growing investment and recognition of women's football. The increasing transfer fees are not only a reflection of the sport's growth but also a result of the changing landscape of women's football. Until recently, short-term contracts and a lack of investment made transfer fees rare and small compared to men's football. "The ecosystem is changing," Covic explained. "More teams are investing in their women's squads, and players are becoming more marketable. It's creating a snowball effect." The UEFA Women's Champions League begins its league stage on October 7, with Geyoro missing the competition due to her transfer. However, her absence is not expected to hinder London City Lionesses' chances. As the sport continues to evolve, women's football agents and players are optimistic about the future. "It's a great time for women's football," Covic said. "The investment is there, and the talent is coming through." With transfer records continuing to break, one thing is clear: women's football is on the rise. Background: Women's football has seen significant growth in recent years, with increasing investment from teams and sponsors. The UEFA Women's Champions League has also experienced a surge in popularity, with a record-breaking audience for the 2024 final. Additional Perspectives: "The transfer market is becoming more sophisticated," said Michelle Kang, owner of London City Lionesses. "We're seeing more players being valued and sold for significant fees." "It's not just about the money; it's about creating opportunities for women to play at the highest level," said a spokesperson for the NWSL. Current Status: The UEFA Women's Champions League begins its league stage on October 7, with Geyoro missing the competition due to her transfer. The next transfer window is expected to be just as active, with several high-profile players rumored to be moving teams. Next Developments: The UEFA Women's Champions League will continue throughout the fall, with the final scheduled for December. The NWSL and WSL are expected to announce their respective transfer windows in the coming weeks. *Reporting by Dw.*