Marc Skinner warns against wild west transfer market in women's soccer

In the lead-up to the 2025 women's soccer season, Manchester United's coach Marc Skinner emphasized the importance of a more considered approach to player transfers. Amid scrutiny over the club's inadequate recruitment, Skinner noted that the women's transfer market has shown early signs of significant transactions, with high-profile player moves for fees exceeding a million pounds. He indicated that while the market has been noticeably slower this season, it is crucial to focus on acquiring the right talent at reasonable values to prevent creating a 'wild west' scenario that could compromise sustainability in the sport. Skinner confirmed the club’s interest in prospective acquisitions but acknowledged challenges in negotiating appropriate valuations that meet both parties. He mentioned that Manchester United is actively seeking to strengthen their forward positions, having already welcomed two Swedish players, Fridolina Rolfö and Julia Zigiotti Olme. Rolfö, while a promising talent from FC Barcelona, is expected to miss several weeks due to minor injuries, whereas Zigiotti Olme signed from Bayern Munich. As preparations for England’s summer transfer window close, Skinner noted the necessity of identifying quality players rather than making extravagant spending decisions that lack strategic foresight. The coach's comments reflect a broader concern within women's soccer about maintaining competitive integrity and financial viability while enhancing the league's profile through prudent investment in player talent. In conclusion, while Manchester United aims to build a competitive squad for their upcoming season—including qualification matches for the Champions League—Skinner's perspective on the transfer market highlights an evolving landscape for women's soccer where responsible financial practices will play a key role in sustaining the growth of the sport.