Manchester United is on the verge of signing Anna Sandberg from BK Hacken, with the transfer fee set to be a record for a Swedish women’s football player.
The 21-year-old full-back reportedly completed a medical with United on Tuesday and is expected to become the English club’s fourth summer signing, joining Dominique Janssen, Elisabeth Terland, and Melvine Malard.
Sandberg was a member of the Sweden squad that secured third place at last year’s World Cup and is widely regarded as one of Scandinavian football’s most promising young prospects. She has experience competing in the Champions League with Hacken, having joined them in 2022. Although the transfer fee remains undisclosed, it is believed to exceed the £150,000 that Everton paid Rosengard for Hanna Bennison in 2021.
United’s pre-season preparations have received a further boost with Gabby George and Jess Simpson returning to training after lengthy spells out due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Marc Skinner’s squad is currently training at St George’s Park for the initial weeks of pre-season. As reported by the Guardian in June, the women’s team at United will temporarily relocate to a building at the Carrington training center during the season, as renovations are underway for the men’s team facilities.
Sandberg is said to have been impressed by the amenities available to the women’s team at Carrington during her medical visit. She is anticipated to be officially presented by the club in the upcoming days. Additionally, United is expected to announce more women’s matches to take place at Old Trafford next season.
In other transfer news, Arsenal has finalized the signing of Daphne van Domselaar, the Netherlands’ No 1 goalkeeper, from Aston Villa. It is understood that Arsenal triggered the release clause in Van Domselaar’s contract, estimated at around £200,000. She has been assigned the No 14 jersey and has signed a contract for an undisclosed duration.
Van Domselaar previously won three league titles with Twente before moving to Villa about a year ago. Regarding her transfer, the 24-year-old stated, “I’m really happy to be here. When you look at Arsenal – the players, the team, the stadium – it’s a massive club, and I’m thrilled to become part of it.
“I aim to win trophies and accomplish great things, and Arsenal is the ideal environment for me to achieve those goals. I can’t wait to play at Emirates Stadium in front of all the fans and showcase my skills.”
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Conversely, Aston Villa has secured Canada’s goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo on a free transfer following the expiration of her contract with Arsenal at the end of June. The 31-year-old has signed a two-year agreement with Villa, stepping in as a direct substitute for Van Domselaar.
“She is a skilled goalkeeper who will enhance our standards and foster healthy competition within the goalkeeping unit,” stated Lee Billiard, Villa’s head of women’s football, regarding the club’s fifth signing of the summer.
