The first half of the season has been extremely successful for Barcelona Femení.
The team won the Supercopa de España in an easy 5-0 win over rivals Real Madrid Femenino. Ewa Pajor’s attempt on goal in the opening minutes was ruled offside however, the team continued dominating. Their efforts were rewarded after Caroline Graham Hansen scored the opening goal in the 31st minute. The scoreline was completed by goals from Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas and a brace by Pajor.
The first step in the repeat of their historical ‘quadruple’ has been successful and victory in the Supercopa will prove to be a morale booster as Barça aim to achieve success in other competitions.
In terms of action in the winter transfer window, Barça have elected not to secure any new reinforcements. The focus is instead on strengthening the existing squad to secure the remaining three titles. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Keira Walsh and Ingrid Engen.
Keira Walsh
Walsh signed for Barcelona in the summer of 2022. The English international has been a key figure for the Catalan giants for the last two seasons. She is rumoured to move back to England, with Arsenal reportedly having an interest in the midfielder. Walsh has started 9 games this season, playing a total of 909 minutes in Liga F. Her contributions this season have included 3 goals and 2 assists in all competitions.
Ingrid Engen
Ingrid Engen’s Barcelona future faces uncertainty. The Norwegian international was a key member of Jonatan Giráldez’s quadruple winning squad. Engen was deployed as a centre-back by Giráldez in the absence of Mapi León. Like Walsh, Engen has started 9 games this season. However, she has only played 1167 minutes in all competitions under new head coach Pere Romeu. Engen did not feature in the Supercopa final against Madrid. Internal reports suggest that Engen prefers to stay with the team and that a new deal is being negotiated.
Other Transfer News
The summer transfer window looks to be very important for Barcelona Femení. The team have shown interest in Manchester City’s Laia Aleixandri, who is a product of the La Masia academy. There have also been links with midfielder Teresa Abelleira, who is rumoured to be leaving Real Madrid in the summer.
Around Europe, other teams have made big signings. Chelsea have signed USWNT international Naomi Girma in a record-breaking $1.1 million deal from San Diego Wave. Additionally, the English giants are also reportedly interested in signing Portland Thorns midfielder Sam Coffey.
Arsenal are preparing a $100k bid for Gotham defender Jenna Nighswonger. If successful, this would be the first signing under new head coach Renée Slegers.
English goalkeeper Sophia Poor is set to join Championship side London City Lionesses on loan from Aston Villa.
Former Barcelona star Nuria Rábano is reportedly set to join NWSL side Utah Royals, after 18 months at VfL Wolfsburg.
The Liga F winter transfer window is set to close on January 31st. Barça Femení will be setting their sights on the UWCL as the fixtures for the knockout stages are set to be announced. They are 11 points clear from rivals Real Madrid in Liga F. The team also have their sights set on the Copa de la Reina quarter finals, where they are set to face Madrid CFF.
All eyes will be on Barcelona Femení as they aim to continue their winning ways in the second half of the season, in the lead up to the UWCL final in Lisbon.
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