England Lionesses legends predict next $1 million women’s transfer | OneFootball

England icons Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Ellen White have predicted who they think the next $1 million women’s transfer will be.

Earlier this year, Naomi Girma made history as she became the game’s first-ever $1 million transfer. The USWNT defender made the blockbuster move from San Diego Wave to Chelsea, shattering the previous world record signing of Racheal Kundananji to Bay FC.

Such a milestone has been a long time coming in women’s football, and we can only expect to see transfer fees continue to rise. After Girma’s record-breaking move, who will be the next seven-figure signing?

England legends predict next $1m transfer

The former Lionesses have had their say on who could be the next $1 million signing in the women’s game.

All four England trailblazers will be representing their country at this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Scott and White will return to the pitch for the second year running, while Houghton is preparing for her debut against the World XI.

Speaking to LiveScore as they prepare for the match in June, the Lionesses legends pitched their predictions.

Alex Greenwood

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“My next $1 million player, if they were to leave Manchester City, would be Alex Greenwood,” says the defender’s former domestic and international teammate Jill Scott.

Greenwood has taken on the role as Man City captain and is looking to add to her growing medal count. The versatile defender won the treble with Olympique Lyonnais in 2020 and made history as she spearheaded Manchester United to the Women’s Championship title in the team’s first season following their revival. Greenwood was also part of England’s historic Euro 2022 triumph.

Aitana Bonmatí

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Throwing her pick into the mix and preparing for her Soccer Aid debut, legendary former England captain Steph Houghton selected Barcelona icon Aitana Bonmatí.

“If she was ever to move, I think her worth in terms of women’s football and what she brings to pitch, she could be the next superstar.”

Bonmatí continues to stun the world with her performances for both Barcelona and Spain. After playing an instrumental role in milestone occasions, including Spain’s World Cup triumph and Barcelona becoming the first Spanish side to win the Women’s Champions League, Bonmatí is a two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner.

Sophia Wilson

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Ellen White became the first woman to score on the Soccer Aid stage last year, marking a debut to remember. She’ll be looking to bag another this summer as England defend their crown.

“Naomi Girma is a defender, so I’m going to stick with a striker and go with Sophia Smith from America,” White said.

Sophia Wilson, formerly Smith, is widely regarded as one of the NWSL’s most dynamic and impactful players. The Portland Thorns forward is an Olympic gold medalist and an NWSL Golden Boot winner. She signed a new deal with the Thorns in March 2024, becoming the highest-paid NWSL player.

While Wilson is currently out on maternity leave, her impressive list of accolades alone proves her immense value to the sport. It’s no wonder she has been backed to follow her compatriot Girma as the next $1 million women’s transfer.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford. Adult tickets start from £20 and juniors from £10: socceraid.org.uk/tickets.

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