Liverpool Women have been active in a summer transfer window that saw the women's world record broken four times in 2025, bringing in two new players to bolster their squad. The club signed 19-year-old forward Mao Itamura from Feyenoord on July 15 and secured goalkeeper Khiara Keating on a free transfer from Manchester City on July 10.
These moves come as Liverpool look to improve on their final 2025 Women's Super League standing of 11th place, where they finished with 17 points from 22 games. Their record showed four wins, five draws, and thirteen losses, leaving them 38 points behind champions Manchester City W. The team's recent form was LLLWD, having scored 21 goals and conceded 34 for a -13 goal difference.
Mao Itamura arrives at Liverpool Women having been voted the best player in the Vrouwen Eredivisie last season. The Dutch forward, who is just 19, joined from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee. Her signing represents a commitment to adding young, attacking talent. Khiara Keating provides a new option between the posts, joining after her contract with Manchester City concluded. Both players are expected to feature in the club's pre-season preparations, with the full squad list now updated.
The English window opened on June 18, ahead of the rest of Europe's July 1 start, and was marked by significant spending. Three of the four world-record transfers in 2025 occurred within the WSL. Naomi Girma moved from San Diego Wave to Chelsea in January, Olivia Smith transferred from Liverpool to Arsenal in the summer, and Grace Geyoro joined London City Lionesses from PSG. Other major deals included Melvine Malard's £850,000 move from Manchester United to Chelsea and Carlotta Wamser's €650,000 switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Manchester City.
The final days of the window saw a flurry of late business across the league. On September 2, Manchester United signed Mexico captain Rebeca Bernal, 29, from Washington Spirit. Arsenal completed the €500,000 signing of 28-year-old defender Élisa De Almeida from PSG on September 3, with the player signing a three-year contract. Commenting on United's move for Bernal, analyst EK said, "United very much needed to do some business, but this late move warrants a high grade as signing a world-class and versatile defender, arguably the position they had to add depth in most, plugs a gap before the start of the season."
With the transfer window closed, focus shifts to integrating the new arrivals and preparing for the new season. The signings of Itamura and Keating address specific areas of the team as Liverpool aim to climb the table. Analyst YT noted of another club's business, "Chelsea also have a deep squad, so she may struggle for immediate minutes." Liverpool will hope their own youthful additions can make a more immediate impact. Fans can track the team's progress and stats throughout the coming campaign. Khiara Keating has signed a contract with the club for the forthcoming season.
