Passmore preparing Leicester after 'whirlwind' weekpublished at 17:07 BST 4 September 2025
17:07 BST 4 September 2025
Emma Smith BBC Sport journalist
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Image caption,
Rick Passmore has previously managed Notts County and Leeds United
Leicester City interim manager Rick Passmore says he is focused on their opening Women's Super League game after a "whirlwind" week which saw him parachuted into the post.
It has been a turbulent time for the Foxes, who sacked manager Amandine Miquel just 10 days before the start of the new campaign.
Former West Ham assistant manager Passmore was appointed interim manager earlier on Thursday and will lead Leicester in their first league match of 2025-26 at Manchester United.
He left West Ham for "personal reasons" this week to move further north and be closer to family - before taking on this new role.
"The last couple of days have been manic, a whirlwind," he told a media conference on Thursday. "But I'm glad to be here with so many good people."
Passmore says his focus in on getting Leicester as ready as possible for Sunday's match at Man Utd, but he is keen on a long term role.
"It's about preparing for the weekend, ensuring we do really well, but I would love to stay at this club," he said.
"I've been here a few days, anything beyond that is a question for the club. I'm preparing for Sunday."
Leicester have been quiet in the transfer market, and sold key midfielder Ruby Mace to Everton on Wednesday. Veteran Australian international Emily van Egmond has arrived from WSL2 side Birmingham City as a replacement.
But despite all the upheaval, Passmore insisted the players were focused.
"You can see how professional the mindset is now, they can park emotions and come in to do a professional level of football," he said.
"All the players have adapted, it has been a pleasure working with them. I have only had a couple of sessions, but the players have worked hard."
Clinton and Park deals poised for confirmationpublished at 17:01 BST 4 September 2025
17:01 BST 4 September 2025
Emma Sanders BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
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Jess Park (left) and Grace Clinton (left) both played for England at Euro 2025
Confirmation of England internationals Grace Clinton and Jess Park's switch between Manchester United and Manchester City is expected shortly.
Clinton, 22, had a year remaining on her contract at Manchester United and was not willing to sign a contract extension.
City had long interest in the midfielder and persuaded United to part ways by offering a fee and allowing Park to move the other way.
Park, 23, has been a regular in the City team but is on her way to United in a four-year deal as she eyes a new challenge following eight years with the Blues.
The agreed fee is not yet known though it is understood Clinton is costing more, therefore City will pay United the difference.
Liverpool sign Barca midfielder Szymczak on loanpublished at 16:18 BST 4 September 2025
16:18 BST 4 September 2025
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
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Image caption,
Emilia Szymczak played three matches for Poland at Euro 2025
Liverpool have signed midfielder Emilia Szymczak on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
The 19-year-old, who has been capped 14 times by Poland, has predominantly represented Barcelona's B team since joining the club in 2023, but has played in the Copa Catalunya at senior level.
"It's amazing to be here," she said. "This is a big club and I'm so happy to be a part of it.
"I just felt Liverpool has a bright future and I know the WSL and this league is so strong, and I know I can develop more as a player here and try, and the club can offer me the best."
London City sign Barcelona youngster Corralespublished at 15:59 BST 4 September 2025
15:59 BST 4 September 2025
Ciara Fleming BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
London City Lionesses have signed Spanish international Lucía Corrales from European giants FC Barcelona.
The Women's Super League newcomers activated the forward's release clause of around £430,000, to make the 19-year-old their 15th permanent signing of the summer.
Corrales was one of the first female graduates of Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy, making her Liga F and Champions League debuts in the 2022-23 campaign.
She was part of Spain's victorious 2022 Under-17 Women's World Cup and 2023 Women's European U-19 Championship victories before making her senior debut against Belgium in March 2025.
Speaking to London City Lionesses' website Corrales said: "I chose London City because I believe it's a club where a very good project is being developed, and I'm really eager to see how things are done here and to get started."
Corrales is London City's second arrival from Catalonia this summer after former Barcelona teammate Jana Fernandez joined last month.
Corrales added: "I'm really looking forward to meeting all the players, all my teammates, but especially Jana [Fernandez] and Maria Perez, since I've shared a locker-room with them before and I'm really excited to be with them again."
Leicester sign Australia international Van Egmondpublished at 14:46 BST 4 September 2025
14:46 BST 4 September 2025
Ciara Fleming BBC Sport journalist
Image source, LCFC Women
Leicester City have announced the signing of experienced Australia international Emily van Egmond on a two-year deal.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who has earned 163 caps for the Matildas, becomes Leicester's fourth signing of the summer after Katie Keane, Celeste Boureille and Heather Payne.
She joins from Birmingham City, where she made eight Women's Super League 2 appearances last season.
Van Egmond told Leicester City's Foxes Hub: "I am really excited to be here and can't wait to get started. I'll bring my experience to the club and hopefully help the team win games.
"I want to show my mentality and show what it takes to win games in this league.
"I've been involved in the game for a number of years now and I'm excited to see what we can do together."
Liverpool sign Swedish striker Olssonpublished at 14:00 BST 4 September 2025
14:00 BST 4 September 2025
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
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Beata Olsson has represented Sweden at Under-23 level
Liverpool have announced the signing of striker Beata Olsson from Swedish side Kristianstads DFF.
The 24-year-old becomes the first player to join the Reds following the arrival of new head coach Gareth Taylor in August.
Sweden Under-23 international Olsson has found the net nine times in 15 games already this term and said she "loves scoring goals".
She told Liverpool's official website: "It means so much to me. This is such an historic football club and the best league in the world and I think it's a great step for me and I'm so excited to be here.
"I've always wanted to play in England and to play for a club like Liverpool is just a dream.
"So, for me this means the world and I'm very excited to get started and to see what I can contribute."
Hasegawa deal a big move for Man City - analysispublished at 11:16 BST 4 September 2025
11:16 BST 4 September 2025
Emma Sanders BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
With the WSL transfer market developing at a rapid rate and fees growing considerably with each window, Manchester City have been smart.
Yui Hasegawa is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and is integral to Manchester City's style of play.
By tying her down for the next four years, City have ensured they either keep her world-class qualities, or they receive decent money for her should a rival come in.
Hasegawa quickly grew into a fan-favourite and she seemlessly filled the void left by England international Keira Walsh when she joined Barcelona for a then-world record transfer fee of £400,000 in 2022.
It is a huge boost for City that she sees potential to win silverware despite them failing to qualify for this season's Women's Champions League and it is also a significant nod of confidence for new manager Andree Jeglertz.
City have pulled out all the stops to make her feel welcome in Manchester, bringing in Asian food specialists to produce high-quality meals for the Japanese players and translators to help them develop their English.
Man Utd defender Rabjohn joins Sunderland on loanpublished at 11:04 BST 4 September 2025
11:04 BST 4 September 2025
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
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Evie Rabjohn has played for England Under-19s
Manchester United defender Evie Rabjohn has joined Women's Super League 2 side Sunderland on loan until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old joined United from Aston Villa in the summer of 2023 but ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) a year later.
Now back to full fitness, the England youth international said: "I'm very excited to be here, to play in front of the fans, as I've heard the club has a massive support.
"I know the coaches here have worked with young players, that's perfect for me, and I know that I am where I need to be to continue improving.
"The first thing I spoke to Mel [Reay] about was the club values as that's really important to me, and I'm just excited to get going."
She could make her Sunderland debut in the WSL2 fixture at Sheffield United on Friday evening.
Hasegawa signs new deal with Man City until 2029published at 11:02 BST 4 September 2025
11:02 BST 4 September 2025
Emma Sanders BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Yui Hasegawa was last season's Player of the Year at Manchester City
Manchester City midfielder Yui Hasegawa has signed a new two-year contract extension that keeps her at the club until June 2029.
Hasegawa, 28, agreed a three-year deal in January 2024 but has committed her future to the club on even longer terms this summer.
It is a significant move for Manchester City as the Japan international has become a key figure since her arrival from West Ham in 2022.
She has made 95 appearances in three seasons and was shortlisted for the Women's Ballon d'Or award in 2023 and 2024.
"I really want to win the title at this club and there are players I want to play with. This is one of the biggest reasons [why I wanted] to stay here," said Hasegawa.
"New things always have a good impact on the team, so the new manager and new players are so good, and it makes me have to work hard."
Liverpool eyeing loan move for Man City's Shimizupublished at 15:43 BST 3 September 2025
15:43 BST 3 September 2025
Emma Sanders BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
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Image caption,
Risa Shimizu joined Manchester City from West Ham in 2024
Liverpool are eyeing a move for Manchester City defender Risa Shimizu as a potential loan option this season.
The Japan international is yet to make an appearance for City after joining from West Ham in 2024.
She suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in July 2024 which ruled her out of last season.
Liverpool are hoping to be active in the final two days of the Women's Super League transfer window and are also working to complete a loan move for Barcelona teenager Emilia Szymczak.