FIFA confirmed record women's soccer transfers this summer: 1,406 moves worth $28.6 million. Among them, several high-profile players could have made more logical moves. Alexia Putellas, after leaving Barcelona, joined London City Lionesses for free, but Bayern Munich would have been a stronger fit given their UWCL semifinal loss to Barcelona and need for midfield leadership after Georgia Stanway and Arianna Caruso departed.

Ona Batlle, returning from Barcelona to Arsenal, would have solved Real Madrid’s right-back void left by Sheila García’s departure, offering versatility and experience. Salma Paralluelo, who signed with OL Lyonnes after scoring against them in the UWCL final, would have elevated Arsenal’s attack with her consistent goal contributions (10+ per season for three years, including 20 in 2023-24), complementing Olivia Smith, Alessia Russo, and Stina Blackstenius to create one of Europe’s most dangerous front lines.