"If anyone didn't take our ambition seriously, I hope they really do after this window, because it shows what we're pushing for. Amy Merricks was answering a question about Birmingham City breaking the second-tier transfer record to sign Wilma Leidhammar from Norrkoping, but the head coach's words could easily sum up the English January transfer window as a whole, as teams in the Women's Super League, and in WSL2, demonstrate where the financial power lies in the women's game."
"Birmingham are understood to have paid about 315,000 (273,000) to sign the attacking midfielder. As recently as the summer of 2022, this would have been a world-record fee. In the three-and-a-half years since, valuations for women's players have risen sharply but, even in January 2026's market, this is still a hugely significant level of investment in a young player. It is a statement signing for four reasons."
Birmingham City paid about 315,000 to sign Wilma Leidhammar from Norrkoping, breaking the second-tier transfer record. The signing symbolizes substantial investment and ambition under American ownership. The transfer is significant because Birmingham demonstrated ambition alongside a reported 6m signing for the men's team, WSL2 clubs face pressure to invest with a one-season extra promotion spot, and revenues at Europe's leading women's clubs rose by an average of 35% last year. Norrkoping describe Leidhammar as a top prospect and potential successor to Kosovare Asllani. Leidhammar scored 27 goals and made 11 assists across four seasons, including nine goals in 2025.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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