FIFA have released their report for the January transfer window, with figures showing a huge increase in transfer fees despite there being less deals completed.
The report displays the rapidly changing landscape in the women’s game with money and interest on the rise.
Less completed January transfer deals
In the report, FIFA showed how many transfers were completed in the January window across all the major women’s leagues.
This year for the first time in five seasons there was a drop in moves for players.
In the 2026 January window there were 427 transfers – a decrease of 27 from last year’s figures.
↔️January 2026 transfer window sees very strong activity in both men’s and women’s football
⚽️More than 5,900 transfers and over USD 1.9 billion spent by clubs in men’s professional football
⚽️New record in women’s game: more than USD 10 million spent on transfer fees,… pic.twitter.com/4U8nwwt018— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 5, 2026
Despite the decline in moves this year, 427 moves is the second highest number of transfers recorded in women’s football.
Once again English teams conducted the most business in Europe. 66 of the January transfers involved teams from the WSL.
Increase in spending from women’s clubs
Although there was less transfers this year, the January window marked a historic rise in transfer fees for women’s football.
Even with 6% less activity in the market there was almost double the amount of money spent compared to 2025.
In the 2025 window there was a total of £4.3million spent. This year saw clubs spend a whopping £8m – an increase of 85% from last year’s figures.
The biggest transfer in this year’s window was Sam Coffey to Manchester City. The American international fetched £650,000 for her move from the Portland Thorns.
We are delighted to announce the signing of United States international Sam Coffey until the summer of 2029, subject to international clearance. 🙌✍️ pic.twitter.com/Duv3W3cxUf
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 14, 2026
The vast increase in transfer fees shows just how much money is being pumped into women’s football these days which is a good sign for the sport’s growth moving forward.
This year’s window wasn’t the first big rise in spending as there has been a steady increase in the numbers every year for the past five years.
In 2022, just £360,000 was spent in the January window. 2024 was the first year where women’s football saw over £1million spent and for the past two seasons that figure has been close to double each time.
