The WSL transfer window is in full swing this week as clubs across the league step up their summer business.
Just this week, Arsenal confirmed the signing of Mariona Caldeney and Liverpool broke their transfer record by signing Olivia Smith from Sporting CP. Now, Manchester United are also in on the action as they unveil their first signing of the summer window.
Former Arsenal and Wolfsburg defender Dominique Janssen has joined the club on a three-year contract until 2027, with an option for another year. The Dutch player arrives after spending the last five years in the Frauen-Bundesliga.
The news comes as a welcome development for United and its fans after a turbulent week at the club. Captain Katie Zelem and England goalkeeper Mary Earps have both left, and there were also reports that the women’s team will be forced to use portable buildings at Carrington training ground to house the men’s team while the ground is renovated next season.
Not only that, but new host Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted in no uncertain terms that plans for the women’s team are ‘TBC’ as things stand. To put it simply, it didn’t rain, it poured in Manchester last week.
But attention could shift to new beginnings at the club as United confirm their first signing of the summer window. Janssen brings with him a wealth of experience at both club and international levels.
Now 29, the defender spent his youth career at RKSV Wittenhorst, his hometown team in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands. In 2013, at a young age, he joined German side SGS Essen, rejecting the likes of Ajax and PSV to complete the move.
In 2015, at the age of 20, he moved to England to join Arsenal where he spent four successful years of his career. With the Gunners, he won one league title, one FA Cup and two League Cups.
When he left north London in 2019, he returned to Germany and signed for European giants Wolfsburg. There, he won two Frauen-Bundesliga titles and three German Cups.
Janssen is one of the most senior members of the Dutch team and was part of their Euro 2017 winning team under Sarina Wiegman. He has more than 100 caps for the Netherlands and made his debut in the World Cup final against the United States in 2019.
Following the news of his arrival in Manchester, manager Marc Skinner has put the importance of his overall experience.
“Dominique is a proven winner, inside and out. His winning mentality is a valuable addition to our team, and his significant playing experience will enhance our entire dressing room,” explained the manager.
Signing a player with such pedigree at both club and international levels would not be looked down upon, not least because the club has just lost two of its best leaders in Zelem and Earps.
However, Janssen’s arrival goes some way to restoring a sense of leadership to the players. If United can regain their place in the Champions League next season, his experience at Wolfsburg will also be incredibly valuable.
Janssen will bring flexibility as well. Having worked in midfield during his last spell in the WSL with Arsenal, he has transitioned into a top-class full-back for Wolfsburg and his national team, and is also proficient at left-back.
Where Skinner sees his best at United remains to be seen, but he will provide great depth in a number of positions, if needed. In defence, she will give stiff competition to Millie Turner as both players are usually in the left center back position.
Although United do not have European football in 2024/25, the squad’s depth in defence, given the injuries suffered last season, could be crucial in ensuring they secure a top-three finish next season.
This new campaign will, without a doubt, be one of United’s biggest tests since their promotion to the top flight in 2019. As big names will go, it will be a year of change, however, after winning the FA Cup only a matter of months. ago, the weight of expectation will be heavy at Leigh Sports Village. Janssen’s arrival, at least, is a step in the right direction.
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