Manchester United have announced their first signing of the upcoming January transfer window with the addition of free agent Hanna Lundkvist.
Manchester United sign Hanna Lundkvist
The Red Devils announced on Saturday that Lundkvist will join the club on January 1st, after signing a contract until June 2029.
Lundkvist, 23, was a free agent after leaving San Diego Wave at the end of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season.
It is positive news for head coach Marc Skinner, who called on Manchester United to make signings in January.
Lundkvist will offer competition to Jayde Riviere at the right-back position.
Speaking to the club’s website, Lundkvist said: “I am really excited to be here; Manchester United is a club with an amazing history. You can feel how much they have grown in the last few years, competing in one of the strongest leagues in the world and performing in the Champions League.
🇸🇪 It's time to meet our newest recruit…
Welcome to United, Hanna Lundkvist 🤩👋 pic.twitter.com/dLVDbmYkA8
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) December 27, 2025
“Speaking with Marc and the coaches confirmed all of the great things I have heard about the culture of the team here. I cannot wait to get started and help the group to achieve more success.”
Matt Johnson, director of women’s football, added: “Hanna will add further quality and energy to our defence; her determination and attitude will really help the group as we continue to compete across domestic and European competitions.”
Who is Hanna Lundkvist?
Despite her young age, Lundkvist has plenty of experience for club and country.
Starting her career in Sweden with AIK and Hammarby, she then joined Atletico Madrid in December 2021.
After making 41 appearances with the Spanish side, she joined NWSL side San Diego Wave in February 2024.
At the Wave, she made 56 appearances and scored three goals. This past season, San Diego were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the NWSL playoffs by the Portland Thorns.
Lundkvist has also made 29 appearances for Sweden, starting in every game of Euro 2025.
Could Manchester United make any more signings?
Manchester United are widely expected to sign Bayern Munich star Lea Schuller during the January transfer window.
Schuller left the pitch in tears after Bayern Munich’s final game of 2025 against Bayer Leverkusen. She missed the game due to a reported illness but went onto the pitch and appeared to say goodbye to Bayern’s travelling fans, before hugging some of her teammates.
The signings of Lundkvist and Schuller would add depth to a United side who are fourth and nine points off leaders Manchester City in the WSL.
United are also in the playoffs of the Women’s Champions League, where they will meet Lundkvist’s former side Atletico Madrid.
