Women's transfer news: Melvine Malard returns to Man Utd; Brighton make four additions

It's been another busy week for women's football in the transfer market as clubs in England and across Europe ramp up their summer business.

There has been plenty of action on the manager front with a number of clubs both in the Women's Super League and abroad making key appointments. Paris Saint-Germain named Fabrice Abriel as their head coach on Monday, while Brighton confirmed the appointment of Dario Vidosic a couple of days later.

In the Championship, Southampton's hunt for a new head coach came to an end with former Birmingham City and Aston Villa midfielder Remi Allen taking the reigns at St Mary's.

Aston Villa have bolstered their squad with the signing of full-back Paula Tomas from Levante on a two-year contract. Newcastle United, on the other hand, completed a major coup for England international and former Manchester City defender Demi Stokes.

West Ham will be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer following the departure of Mackenzie Arnold and her next club was confirmed this week as she signed with NWSL side Portland Thorns on a free transfer.

Manchester City also turned to the free agent market to bolster their defensive ranks as they signed Risa Shimizu on a three-year deal following the expiration of her contract at West Ham.

90min brings you all the latest women's football transfer news that you may have missed this week...

Melvine Malard rejoins Manchester United

After rumours emerged on Friday claiming Melvine Malard was set to return to Manchester United, the club have now confirmed the news. The France international spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Leigh Sports Village and had an impressive campaign with the Red Devils.

United have announced the move has now been made permanent, with the forward signing a three-year deal until the summer of 2027. Malard departs Lyon having made 93 appearances across all competitions.

While on loan in Manchester last season, the 24-year-old contributed seven goals across 29 appearances and helped the team make history in securing their first piece of major silverware when they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup final in May.

Brighton make four new additions

It's been a busy week for Brighton as they confirmed the signings of four players along with the appointment of Vidosic as head coach. Marit Auee was the first to join on Tuesday as the defender signed from Dutch side FC Twente.

On Thursday, Albion confirmed the arrival of Scotland international Rachel McLauchlan after three seasons with Rangers. The 27-year-old has previously represented Aberdeen, Hibernian, Yeovil Town and Glasgow City.

Friday saw two new additions unveiled by the club, starting with midfielder Bex Rayner. The 24-year-old is a product of the Leeds United academy and has had two spells with Sheffield United.

Brighton have also beaten West Ham, Tottenham and Everton to young Lioness Hannah Poulter. The 19-year-old goalkeeper has penned her first professional contract with Brighton having previously played college football for the University of South Carolina.

West Ham recruit Chile international

West Ham have signed Chile international Camila Saez on a two-year contract following the expiration of her deal with Madrid CFF. The 29-year-old defender has been capped 71 times for Chile and will wear the number 17 shirt at her new club.

Saez had a brief spell in England with Everton as a youth player before she joined Colo-Colo in her homeland as a 17-year-old. She spent five-and-a-half seasons back in Chile prior to signing her first professional deal with Spanish second tier side Tacon in 2017.

"I'm really excited to be here and I hope to repay the trust the club has shown to bring me to east London," Saez told West Ham's website. "It's very difficult to get the opportunity to play in the Women's Super League. I feel proud to bring Chile to the league and with that, comes a lot of responsibility to ensure others can follow."

Crystal Palace announce contract extensions

Crystal Palace are gearing up for their first ever season in the top flight of women's football following their promotion from the Championship last term. They ended the campaign one point clear of Charlton Athletic in second place to clinch the only promotion spot from the second tier.

In a bid to solidify their squad, the Eagles have announced two key contract extensions this week, including Wales international Elise Hughes. The forward has penned a new two-year deal, with an option of a further year, although she is currently undergoing rehabilitation for an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained at the end of last season.

Fliss Gibbons has also penned a new contract with Palace ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The full-back has been with the club since 2022 and registered eight assists in 24 appearances last term to help them lift the Women's Championship trophy.

Romee Leuchter signs for PSG

Also this week, Paris Saint-Germain completed an impressive deal for Dutch international striker Romee Leuchter. The 23-year-old was at Ajax in her homeland for just three seasons, becoming the club's all-time record scorer with 87 goals in 98 games.

She joins the French side on a three-year deal and becomes one of four new additions at PSG already this summer. Mary Earps, Griedge Mbock and Onyi Echegini have already joined in what is shaping up to be an impressive window for the Division 1 Feminine club.

"It's an honour to be joining Paris Saint-Germain today," Leuchter told the club website. "The club is very ambitious, and its sporting project is particularly attractive. I'm really looking forward to starting this new adventure and doing my utmost to contribute to the team's future success."

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