The reigning Women’s Super League champions have strengthened their squad by signing Charles to a three-year contract, making the defender their second arrival of the summer window. The move comes as Barcelona confirm the departure of Ona Batlle, who secured 11 trophies during her three seasons with the Catalan club after joining from Manchester United.
The business forms part of a comprehensive summary of activity across women’s football’s top six leagues, covering the NWSL, WSL, Liga F, Frauen-Bundesliga, Première Ligue and Serie A Femminile. The analysis includes a club-by-club guide to movements as teams reshape their squads ahead of the new season.
Confirmed transfers and retirements
Charles joins the WSL holders as they look to build on their domestic success, with the club moving swiftly to secure defensive reinforcements early in the window.
Batlle leaves Barcelona having won every available domestic and continental honour during her stay. “I don’t like the word ‘leaving’; I prefer to say that I am going on an adventure that will help me to develop,” she said upon confirming her exit.
Elsewhere, a 29-year-old international has agreed a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, with her new club highlighting her “tactical intelligence, excellent game reading, and reliability in defensive duties”.
A 24-year-old defender has committed her future until 2029, stating: “I arrive with great ambition and the goal of performing at my best on the pitch.” Meanwhile, a Belgium international with 53 caps for her country has also secured a transfer. Her new club’s sporting director described her as “a mentally strong and combative player with high intensity and work rate, who anticipates a lot on the pitch”.
Window overview
The summer period has also witnessed a 28-year-old defender, a two-time European Under-19 champion, decide to retire immediately. Additionally, a forward with previous Frauen-Bundesliga experience from a loan spell at Hoffenheim has secured a permanent move, while a midfielder who made her La Liga debut in 2023 has completed a switch.
Further confirmed deals include a defender signing a one-year contract and a midfielder joining a club on loan for the entirety of the upcoming campaign.