The summer transfer window remained busy on Wednesday with several notable moves across men’s and women’s football. Sunderland bolstered their defence by signing Belgium international Thomas Meunier, while Harry Winks completed a switch to Serie A. In the women’s game, Crystal Palace landed experienced striker Bethany England, London City Lionesses secured France star Kadidiatou Diani, and Birmingham City strengthened their backline with Millie Turner’s arrival.
Sunderland sign Belgium defender Meunier on free transfer
Belgium defender Thomas Meunier has completed a free transfer to Sunderland, signing a two-year contract following the expiration of his deal with French club Lille. The 34-year-old veteran, who recently represented his country at the 2026 World Cup and boasts 83 caps for Belgium, expressed his immense excitement about moving to the Premier League. Meunier’s storied career includes successful four-year stints at both Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, midfielder Harry Winks has completed a permanent move to Serie A side Cagliari. The 30-year-old former England international made 109 appearances for Leicester City since joining them in 2023, but chose to head back to Italy following the Foxes’ relegation.
Bethany England joins Crystal Palace on two-year deal
Crystal Palace Women have strengthened their squad ahead of the new Women’s Super League season by signing experienced England international Bethany England on a two-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further year. The 32-year-old forward joins Palace after ending her three-and-a-half-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur, where she captained the side and became the club’s all-time leading WSL scorer with 32 goals. Before her time at Spurs, England enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Chelsea, winning nine major honours, including four Women’s Super League titles. Capped 26 times by England with 11 international goals, she brings a wealth of experience to the newly promoted side. Speaking after completing the move, England praised Palace’s ambition and investment in the women’s game. Meanwhile, Birmingham City Women have also reinforced their defence by signing Millie Turner following the end of her eight-year association with Manchester United.
London City sign France forward Diani
London City Lionesses have continued their ambitious summer rebuild by signing France international Kadidiatou Diani from Olympique Lyonnais on a three-year contract. The 31-year-old forward becomes the club’s fourth marquee arrival ahead of the new Women’s Super League season, following the signings of goalkeeper Mary Earps, Barcelona defender Mapi Leon and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. Promoted to the WSL in 2025, London City Lionesses are the only fully independent club in England’s top flight, operating without a men’s team. Diani joins after helping Lyon reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League final last season. Before Lyon, she spent six successful years at Paris Saint-Germain, where she scored 92 goals to become the club’s third-highest scorer of all time, following an earlier spell with Paris FC. A seasoned France international, Diani has featured in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and won the Silver Boot at the 2023 edition.
