FC Barcelona agreed to a record-breaking transfer deal Wednesday that will bring Manchester City midfielder Keira Walsh to the club.

The transfer fee totals around £400,000, BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders reported. The previous record for women’s soccer was set in September 2020, when Chelsea paid than £250,000 to acquire Pernille Harder from VfL Wolfsburg.

While Manchester City had wanted to hold onto Walsh, the England midfielder wanted to move on after eight years with the club, Sanders reported. Walsh was entering the final year of her contract with Manchester City, but she has signed a three-year deal with Barcelona.

Walsh is fresh off a European Championship win with England. She was named Player of the Match following England’s 2-1 win over Germany in the final.

Barcelona is without 2021 Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who tore her ACL in July ahead of the Euros, leaving a hole in the club’s midfield.

The reigning champions of the Spanish Primera División pursued Walsh to bolster their midfield line. While City turned down two previous bids from Barcelona, the club ramped up its efforts in the final days before its league transfer deadline, The Guardian and ESPN reported.

It’s been a difficult summer for City, who also lost midfielder and all-time leading scorer Georgia Stanway to Bayern Munich and Caroline Weir to Real Madrid. Both Ellen White and Jill Scott announced their retirements from soccer last month.

The club will now look for a replacement for Walsh ahead of Thursday’s WSL transfer deadline.

Women’s Super League is scheduled to begin its season Sept. 10 fresh off a record-breaking Women’s European Championship.

The first-time title run by the hosting Lionesses has had a ripple effect across the English domestic league, with more than 40,000 tickets sold for Arsenal’s game against Tottenham at Emirates Stadium on Sept. 24. That puts the Gunners in line for the WSL attendance record.

“It’s been incredible to see the demand for tickets for the North London Derby,” Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall said. “You can really feel the excitement around the game at the moment so it’s amazing to see that translate into a record-breaking attendance – now it’s our job to repay that enthusiasm with a big performance in this crucial clash for our supporters.”

Less than a week after England’s win, the team had sold more than 20,000 in tickets for the game. The club later announced a record-breaking sale of 38,500 tickets, and the number has continued to grow.

In addition to Arsenal, defending WSL champion Chelsea has completely sold out of season tickets. Reading FC announced Tuesday that it has sold 500 season tickets, a new club record.

“The legacy of this tournament is a change in society. It’s everything we’ve done. We’ve brought everyone together,” said Leah Williamson in her post-match interview after England’s win.

“We’ve got people to come to (Euros) games and we want them to come to WSL games. The legacy of this team is winners, and this is the start of the journey.”

Jill Scott is the latest Lioness to hang up her cleats, joining legend Ellen White in retiring from soccer.

The 35-year-old England star announced the news Tuesday in an op-ed in The Players’ Tribune, just one day after White announced her own retirement.

Scott wrote about the impact of clinching the Euro title with the Lionesses in July and ending her career on a high.

“I had 30 years of football’s heartbreaks and dreams and disappointments built up inside me, and I just wanted to do it for everybody in that stadium … everybody in the country … all them girls having a kickabout in the back lanes,” Scott said. “I wanted it so, so bad.

“That was my way of saying goodbye,” Scott said of the championship. “And this is my way of saying thank you.”

Scott leaves the sport as the second-most capped England player, men’s or women’s, with 161 appearances for her country.

In her 16-year international career, Scott played in 10 major tournaments, helping the Lionesses to a third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup and competing with Team GB at two Olympics.

“I must congratulate Jill on a very special career. I am so glad she was able to end on such a positive memory,” England coach Sarina Wiegman said.  “It will be hard to imagine an England squad without her as she has been an icon of the team for so long. I respect her decision, but we will miss her positive impact on and off of the pitch for sure.”

Scott even received a message from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who congratulated the English icon in a Tweet.

“A pioneer of Women’s football and a great team player,” they wrote. “(Jill Scott) congratulations on a wonderful career, it’s been a pleasure to get to know you.”

Scott’s announcement also ends her club career, with the midfielder last competing for Manchester City. She confirmed in May that she would be leaving the team. The 35-year-old won a Women’s Super League trophy, three FA Cup titles and three League Cup championships with Manchester City.

England striker Ellen White announced her retirement from football Monday, ending her prolific career.

The 33-year-old capped off her tenure with the Lionesses on a high note, helping England to its first Euros title in July.

“This decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. And this is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine,” White said in a statement. “It has been my greatest honour and privilege to play this game. In particular playing for England has and always will be the greatest gift. My dreams came true on July 31, winning the Euros and becoming a European champion.”

White retires with 113 caps and 52 goals for England, with only Wayne Rooney scoring more goals (53) in an England uniform.

“Ellen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her,” England coach Sarina Wiegman said. “I have only had the pleasure of working with her for this past year, but her professionalism, work rate and finishing ability is world-class.”

White also leaves behind an impressive club career, as she took home plenty of hardware during her time in the Women’s Super League. The forward won the WSL and FA Cup with Arsenal before logging another FA Cup victory with Manchester City in 2020, and she also hoisted the Continental Cup trophy in March 2022.

White, who signed with Manchester City in 2019, will retire before finishing out her contract with the club.

“Ellen is without doubt an icon of the game, and although her career is now at its end, her efforts have paved the way for so many to flourish in the future,” Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor said in a statement. “She has given so much over the years to the game that she adores, and she leaves it in the strongest place it has ever been, which is testament to her hard work and sacrifices.”

Both the International Champions Cup and Women’s Cup kicked off Wednesday, with plenty of action in both tournaments.

International Champions Cup

The semifinal matches in Portland brought high stakes, as each ended in penalty kicks to decide the winner.

While the NWSL’s Thorns jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute on their home turf, Liga MX Femenil club Monterrey pulled even in the 68th minute, then won the game 3-2 on penalties.

The other match of the night, though, provided the real fireworks. Olympique Lyonnais bested Chelsea 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw that featured highlight-reel goals.

Sam Kerr got the scoring started in the eighth minute to put Chelsea ahead 1-0. The club would go up 2-0 before Lindsey Horan got Lyon on the board in the 76th minute.

Lyon equalized with a Signe Bruun goal in 88th minute, which eventually forced the penalty shootout.

Lyon and Monterrey will play in the championship match at 11 p.m. ET Saturday. Chelsea and Portland will play in the third-place match at 8 p.m. ET.

Women’s Cup

In Louisville, Racing Louisville and OL Reign will face off for the title after winning their semifinal matches. This marks the second-straight year that Louisville will play in the championship match after winning it last year.

OL Reign beat Club América 2-1, with Olivia Van der Jagt recording the winning goal in the 82nd minute.

Louisville, meanwhile, looked dominant against AC Milan, winning 2-0 off goals from Nadia Nadim and newcomer Wang Shuang, who got her first goal in a Louisville uniform. For her efforts, Shuang was named the Most Valuable Player of the match.

The 2022 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees were announced Friday, with 20 of the top international players making the list for the prestigious award.

Two players from the NWSL are included: Alex Morgan of San Diego Wave FC and Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit. One more USWNT player is among the nominees in Catarina Macario, who has spent the past year with Olympique Lyonnais. 

Australia’s Sam Kerr graces the list once again after being a finalist for last year’s award. She led the WSL in scoring this year for Chelsea.

Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas also is among the nominees, alongside Spain teammate Aitana Bonmatí, while Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Millie Bright all feature for England.

Vivianne Miedema, a finalist for last year’s award, is the lone player to represent the Netherlands.

Five nominees play for FC Barcelona, while five play for Olympique Lyonnais, with the two teams tying for the most from a single club. France has the most players of any nation with four.

Full list:

  • Selma Bacha (France/Olympique Lyonnais)
  • Aitana Bonmatí (Spain/FC Barcelona)
  • Millie Bright (England/Chelsea)
  • Lucy Bronze (England/FC Barcelona)
  • Kadidiatou Diani (France/Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Christiane Endler (Chile/Olympique Lyonnais)
  • Ada Hegerberg (Norway/Olympique Lyonnais)
  • Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France/Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Sam Kerr (Australia/Chelsea)
  • Catarina Macario (United States/Olympique Lyonnais)
  • Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands/Arsenal)
  • Beth Mead (England/Arsenal)
  • Alex Morgan (United States/San Diego Wave FC)
  • Lena Oberdorf (Germany/Wolfsburg)
  • Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria/FC Barcelona)
  • Alexandra Popp (Germany/Wolfsburg)
  • Alexia Putellas (Spain/FC Barcelona)
  • Wendie Renard (France/Olympique Lyonnais)
  • Trinity Rodman (United States/Washington Spirit)
  • Fridolina Rolfö (Sweden/FC Barcelona)

England women’s national team forward Rachel Daly has joined Women’s Super League club Aston Villa on a transfer from the NWSL’s Houston Dash, the two teams announced Tuesday.

Daly, who served as captain of the Dash and spent the last seven years with the club in the NWSL, recently won the Euros title with England.

She was drafted by Houston in the 2016 NWSL college draft and has appeared in 116 games for the club, helping lead them to the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. In her tenure, she scored 42 goals and added 12 assists. Her 33 goals during the regular season stands as the most in club history.

Daly said she is stepping away in order to be closer to family.

“It pains me to say goodbye,” she wrote in a statement posted to her Twitter account. “This past year for myself and my family has been incredibly tough. The silver lining has been bringing football home and getting the opportunity to be around family. This made me realize this is exactly what I needed, to be home.”

Calling herself the Dash’s “number one fan from afar,” Daly says that the “club, the city and the people will always have a special place in my heart.”

“It’s been my honour to play and represent this city,” she added.

Daly has been regarded as the “face of the Houston Dash,” with the Houston Chronicle’s Danielle Lerner detailing her loyalty to the team despite the club having a hard time qualifying for the playoffs during her time in Houston.

“Rachel has been an integral part of the Houston Dash for seven years and she will be missed not only as a world-class footballer, but also as a driven and passionate leader on and off the pitch,” Dash president Jessica O’Neill said in a release. “This transfer will result in Rachel being much closer to her loved ones, a request we wanted to make every effort to honor. We’re deeply grateful for the commitment and loyalty she’s shown to this city and wish her the best in her next adventure.”

Daly has spent previous time in England with Leeds United, Lincoln Ladies and West Ham United. She now joins Aston Villa on a three-year deal and will play for the club as a forward.

“This is a big signing for us and one we’ve worked hard on completing. Rachel is a top forward and a proven goalscorer,” said manager Carla Ward. “Having performed admirably at full-back this summer, she showed us that she is a player you simply need in your team.”

The 2022 ESPYs celebrated the best players, teams and moments in sports Wednesday, and some of the best in women’s sports were recognized for their accomplishments.

Jocelyn Alo was named the best college athlete in women’s sports following her record-breaking season. A two-time national champion with Oklahoma, Alo leaves her collegiate career behind with the all-time NCAA home run record across softball and baseball.

Alo accepted the award via Zoom during the ESPYs preview show, as the category was not presented at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Alo was present at the ceremony, though — she and her Oklahoma teammates were up for the Best Team award.

“It means a lot to me and my family, just with the journey that we’ve been through,” she said. “This is just a stepping stone for softball and women’s sports in general. It’s great that people are starting to realize women are just as fun to watch, if not more fun to watch.”

Katie Ledecky was named best overall athlete in women’s sports for her stellar summer for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, at which she won two gold and two silver medals. Ledecky also took home the award for best Olympian in women’s sports.

“To all of the young athletes out there, all of the young kids, young adults: find something that you really love, that you’re good at, that can be a positive force in our world,” she said.

Megan Rapinoe won the award for best play for her Olimpico at last summer’s Olympics. In her speech, she highlighted efforts to bring home WNBA star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February.

Candace Parker won Best WNBA Player, while Nelly Korda took home the award for women’s golf and Emma Raducanu for women’s tennis. Jessica Long was named best athlete with a disability in women’s sports.

Washington Spirit star Ashley Hatch, who won the Golden Boot last season, added to her awards haul with the Best NWSL Player award. Sam Kerr was named the best international athlete in women’s soccer.

Skiing star Eileen Gu took home two awards, Best Breakthrough Athlete and Best Athlete in Women’s Action Sports.

Sam Kerr is set to be featured on the cover of FIFA 23 alongside Kylian Mbappé.

Called the “Ultimate Edition,” the full reveal is set for July 20. With her cover appearance, Kerr is the first woman to be featured on FIFA’s global cover.

Kerr has had an outstanding season for both Chelsea and Australia. The striker won the Golden Boot during the Women’s Super League season, en route to a third-straight WSL title. They also won the FA Cup for the second straight season.

For Australia, Kerr was the team’s top scorer in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in January, scoring seven goals through four matches — five came in the team’s opening match against Indonesia. She also set the international goal-scoring record for Australia, surpassing Tim Cahill with 59 international goals.

Kerr was recently named the No. 2 soccer player in the world by ESPN, with Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas taking first.

England superstar Lucy Bronze is heading to European powerhouse Barcelona, with the club announcing the news Saturday.

The 30-year-old defender signed a two-year deal with Barcelona, joining the team on free transfer from Manchester City.

Bronze made 111 appearances in her two-year tenure with the Women’s Super League club, taking home five trophies.

Representing England at this summer’s European Championship, Bronze will connect with her new team after the tournament.

Bronze joins Barcelona on the heels of a landmark season, with the club completing a domestic treble, winning all 30 of their league matches while making a Champions League final run before falling to Lyon in the title game.