FanSided MLS
·30 janvier 2025
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Yahoo sportsFanSided MLS
·30 janvier 2025
The market for women's soccer is on fire, and one of the biggest impacts involving the transfer window is upon young Brazilian defender Tarciane, who seems to have found her new home across the ocean. Per Squad Depth, Lyon-the French powerhouse and one of the most dominant clubs in the sport-is close to finalizing a million-dollar deal to sign the Houston Dash center-back. The transfer fee is $830,000, with the possibility of rising to $1 million with performance-related add-ons. Not only does that speak volumes about the growing worth of women's soccer, but it also makes Tarciane one of the most expensive defenders in history.
Tarciane isn't just another Brazilian talent finding her way to Europe. At 21 years old, she already possesses a résumé which has her as one of the most exciting defenders in the world. Coming through the youth ranks at Fluminense, she made a name for herself at Corinthians, where she stacked up trophies and solidified her reputation. With Brabas, she lifted two Copa Libertadores titles and three Brazilian Championships, making it clear that the next big step was already due.
Her transfer to the NWSL was her first big challenge outside Brazil. Houston Dash paid $485,000 to sign her from Corinthians, an investment that is proving extremely profitable today. Less than a year later, the Texas-based club will sell her for nearly twice that amount, a clear sign that the women's soccer market is developing its own financial cycles and million-dollar transactions.
This will be an important strategic move to try and see Lyon remain top. The eight-time UEFA Women's Champions League winner knew that with the missed signing of the American star Naomi Girma-who eventually signed in on a world record fee with Chelsea-they had to firm up their backline. With the transfer window in Europe set to draw to a close, Lyon moved swiftly to make sure Tarciane did not get away, finding themselves chasing in the race for continental supremacy.
French powerhouse Paris St-Germain have invested heavily because they know the level of competition keeps getting stronger and stronger. An improved WSL presence in England, Barcelona's dominancy, and growth in strength from across the NWSL-mean no team can rest on their laurels anymore. Women's football is rapidly changing, and anyone that is not up to speed runs the chance of losing relevance.
Apart from that, one can notice how Lyon needs to strengthen their defense. Wendie Renard and Vanessa Gilles are the undisputed starters, with Alice Sombath still being the only backup.
Lyon aren't taking a punt in the dark, as this Brazilian centre-back is made from different material to that which most her age possess. Strong and imposing on the pitch, she had been one of the stars in the Brazil Olympic setup during their sojourn in Paris. With great tactical awareness on the pitch, capable of passing very well, too, she is already made to be among the best on the planet.
Last year, she finished 23rd in the Ballon d'Or voting-a clear sign that the soccer world is already taking notice of her talent.
Until recently, million-dollar transfers were few and far between in women's soccer. These days, they're becoming rule rather than exception. That Lyon would spend this much money on a defender is a testament to how the game has grown financially. This transfer strengthens not only the club but also opens more opportunities for Brazilians to the international market.
Success for Tarciane will raise the bar on the value of up-and-coming Brazilian talent, potentially encouraging NWSL clubs to invest in and trade players with European teams in even more lucrative deals.
Besides, Houston Dash has shown that the NWSL is now a big player in the global market, not just a league for the development of talents but a place where clubs buy, develop, and sell players for profit.