Women's Super League

Image source, Getty Images

Moroccan international Rosella Ayane has signed for Women's Super League club Leicester City on a one-year contract.

The forward, whose deal includes the option of a further year, departed fellow WSL club Tottenham on the expiry of her contract in June after making over 100 appearances for the Lilywhites.

She was part of the Spurs squad who competed in the Women's Super League for the first time in 2019 and came on as a substitute in the FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United in 2024.

Ayane is a leading figure for Morocco national team and has earned 35 caps since making a goal scoring international debut against Mali in 2021.

After signing her contract she told Leicester City's Foxes Hub: "I'm looking forward to the start of the season and the journey ahead. My previous experience will help me here.

"I can tell we have such a good group of people and I've seen our potential on the pitch. I am here to help push that and drive forward. There is so much quality, I think we can do really good things."

The 29-year-old is the fifth player to join the Foxes on deadline day after defenders Heather Payne and Cecily Wellesley-Smith, and midfielders Emily van Egmond and Olivia McLoughlin.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool have completed the permanent signing of Spanish full-back Alejandra Bernabe from Women's Super League champions Chelsea.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan in Merseyside, making four appearances before being sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

Bernabe told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm so happy to be here. Last season was amazing, so I was so happy to be back.

"I think here I have the opportunity to be my best. I always try to do that in my life. Here, I feel well with the people, with the club, with my teammates and everything.

"I think it's so important for [players] to be 100% on the pitch, so I try to give that. And here I think is the place [for me]."

At international level, Bernabe was part of Spain's Women's Under-17 European Championship winning squad in 2018, making her senior debut in November 2022 in a friendly against Argentina.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa have announced that forward Rachel Daly has been named as club captain for the 2025-2026 season.

She takes over the role from Rachel Corsie, who announced her retirement from football in May.

Daly wore the armband numerous times last term, guiding the side to a five-game winning streak to end the season that clinched a top half finish.

A Euro 2022 winner on home soil with England and, the 2022-23 WSL Golden Boot winner, the striker has plenty of experience.

She will be joined in the team's leadership group alongside Missy Bo Kearns, Anna Patten and Sabrina D'Angelo.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton has posted on social media, external confirming her departure from the club.

The 22-year-old England international has been linked with a move to rivals Manchester City.

"Me and the club have taken the decision to part ways over the past few days.

"This has been a very difficult decision for me because of the love I have for my team-mates and for you, the fans. However, I feel the future of the club and I aren't on the same page.

"For me personally, the next step is about growth, I want to continue to develop and learn."

Ciara Fleming
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham have signed Norway international Cathinka Tandberg on a permanent deal from Swedish club Hammarby.

The forward scored 19 goals in 37 appearances during her time in Stockholm last season, including five times in the Champions League group stage.

The 21-year-old made her senior Norway debut against France in 2023, and has five senior caps to date.

"I'm very happy to be here," Tandberg told Tottenham's official club website. "It's such a big club. Martin [Ho] coming here, his playing style fits me very well, and hopefully I can score a lot of goals here.

"I want to score goals, but I'm a very physical player, always fighting for the team and fighting for the club."

Spurs head coach Martin Ho added: "She's an exciting young talent with pace, creativity and intelligence in the final third.

"But just as importantly she's a humble, hard-working character who wants to keep improving.

"Cathinka is a great fit for the culture we're building here and we're looking forward to seeing the impact she can make with us."

Ciara Fleming
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, LCFC Women

England youth international Olivia McLoughlin has joined Leicester City on a three-year deal from Scottish Premiership club Rangers.

The 20-year-old, who can play in both midfield and defence, becomes the Foxes' third deadline day addition after Emily van Egmond and Arsenal loanee Cecily Wellesley-Smith.

McLoughlin adds Women's Super League experience to the squad having made 29 appearances for Aston Villa between 2020 and 2023.

The midfielder made her England Under-23 debut in a 1–0 victory over Portugal in October 2024, and has made five further appearances for the side.

McLoughlin told Leicester City's Foxes Hub: "I am really excited to be here, and this is definitely the right move for the next chapter of my career. The club has big ambitions and achieving in the WSL this season is important for me.

"I pride myself on the defensive side of the game. I'll bring a lot of energy and hard work. Hopefully the fans will see that from me. I am experienced in high-pressure moments, and I want to bring that to the team."

Ciara Fleming
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, LCFC Women

Leicester City have signed defender Cecily Wellesley-Smith on a season-long loan from Arsenal.

The 18-year-old signed her first professional contract with the Gunners in June 2025, having gained senior experience on loan at FA Women's National league South club Oxford United last season.

Wellesley-Smith is a regular England youth international and has spent time training with Arsenal's senior side.

She was also a key figure in Arsenal Under-21's 2024-25 PGA League Division One title triumph last term.

She told Leicester City's Foxes Hub: "I'm really excited. There are such great facilities and a great environment here and I just want to help the team do well. We'll all be pushing together for good results.

"All the staff and the girls have been really welcoming, and I just can't wait to get started now."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Liverpool are set to bring in Chelsea full-back Alejandra Bernabe on a permanent deal before the deadline closes at 23:00 BST.

Bernabe, 23, spent last season on loan at the Reds and will become the first Spanish player to transfer between English clubs.

Meanwhile, West Ham have brought in Tottenham midfielder Anna Csiki on loan to add much-needed depth to the squad.

The 25-year-old Hungary international, who moved to north London last year, joins on a season-long loan.