Manchester United has made a significant move in the January transfer window by signing Sweden forward Ellen Wangerheim from Hammarby. The 21-year-old is now bound to the club until June 2029. According to Matt Johnson, Director of Women's Football at Manchester United, Wangerheim was one of Europe's best young talents and will bring a dynamic, invasive, and versatile style to the team.
Wangerheim expressed her excitement upon joining the Red Devils, stating that it feels amazing to be part of the club with big history. She also spoke about her ambition to play abroad in Europe, which is now finally fulfilled. Wangerheim's arrival comes at a time when United are looking to bolster their forward line, having recently lost veteran striker Rachel Williams to Leicester and Brazil forward Geyse joining Club América in Mexico.
The situation isn't without challenges for Manchester United, however, as England midfielder Ella Toone will be out of action for at least six weeks due to a hip injury. Despite this setback, head coach Marc Skinner is optimistic that Toone will return before the end of the season.
On the other side of the pitch, Birmingham City has made a bold statement by signing Swedish attacking midfielder Wilma Leidhammar from Norrköping. The 22-year-old has scored 27 goals and provided 11 assists in Sweden's top division since 2022 and is now part of the Blues' squad. According to Amy Merricks, Head Coach of Birmingham City, this transfer fee is a "real statement of intent" for the club.
Leidhammar expressed her desire to help the team win promotion and spoke highly of her new employer, saying she felt a sense of ambition from their conversations. The technical director, Hope Powell, highlighted Leidhammar's vast experience, particularly with Sweden's youth teams, and described her as having a "desire and professionalism" that will be invaluable for the club.
With these signings, both Manchester United and Birmingham City are sending clear messages about their ambitions for the season ahead.
Wangerheim expressed her excitement upon joining the Red Devils, stating that it feels amazing to be part of the club with big history. She also spoke about her ambition to play abroad in Europe, which is now finally fulfilled. Wangerheim's arrival comes at a time when United are looking to bolster their forward line, having recently lost veteran striker Rachel Williams to Leicester and Brazil forward Geyse joining Club América in Mexico.
The situation isn't without challenges for Manchester United, however, as England midfielder Ella Toone will be out of action for at least six weeks due to a hip injury. Despite this setback, head coach Marc Skinner is optimistic that Toone will return before the end of the season.
On the other side of the pitch, Birmingham City has made a bold statement by signing Swedish attacking midfielder Wilma Leidhammar from Norrköping. The 22-year-old has scored 27 goals and provided 11 assists in Sweden's top division since 2022 and is now part of the Blues' squad. According to Amy Merricks, Head Coach of Birmingham City, this transfer fee is a "real statement of intent" for the club.
Leidhammar expressed her desire to help the team win promotion and spoke highly of her new employer, saying she felt a sense of ambition from their conversations. The technical director, Hope Powell, highlighted Leidhammar's vast experience, particularly with Sweden's youth teams, and described her as having a "desire and professionalism" that will be invaluable for the club.
With these signings, both Manchester United and Birmingham City are sending clear messages about their ambitions for the season ahead.