Sweden’s Zigiotti Olme is Manchester United’s first signing of the summer | OneFootball

Manchester United have completed their first signing of this summer’s Women’s Super League transfer window, bolstering their midfield with the addition of the Sweden international Julia Zigiotti Olme from the German champions Bayern Munich.

The defensive midfielder was one of Sweden’s top performers at Euro 2025, starting three of four matches, including their quarter-final against England, where she was one of only two of Sweden’s seven takers to successfully convert her penalty in the dramatic shootout.

She was targeted by United because of her work rate in midfield, her positioning and experience of winning trophies, including helping Bayern to a league and cup double last season. The 27-year-old spent one season with the Frauen Bundesliga side after playing for Brighton for two campaigns in England. She is also a former title-winner in Sweden with Häcken.

Her arrival will give Marc Skinner’s team additional options in central midfield and, with Zigiotti Olme predominantly playing as a deeper lying, defensive midfielder, could allow Dominique Janssen to be deployed as a central defender instead. Janssen demonstrated the versatility to play in either defence or midfield last season. It could also give the side more tactical options for different formations and will undoubtedly boost their strength in depth to compete in the Women’s Champions League as well as domestically.

Discussing the arrival of Zigiotti Olme, who has signed a two-year contract, with the option of a further year, Matt Johnson, Manchester United’s director of women’s football, told the club’s media channels: “Julia is one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders who brings a winning mentality and experience of competing in the top competitions.

“On the pitch she has an insatiable work rate, ability to win possession back for her team and creative passing range. This is a player the fans will enjoy watching this season.”

While she is the club’s first summer acquisition, she is unlikely to be the last. It is understood the club could also be seeking to sign a forward, following Geyse’s loan move to Gotham FC in March for the remainder of the NWSL season, as well as being expected to be in the market for a right-sided defender, following Aoife Mannion’s summer move to Newcastle United.

New contracts have already been agreed with the goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, the central defender Millie Turner and veteran striker Rachel Williams, but it would not be a surprise to see the club sign another goalscorer before their Champions League qualifying campaign gets under way against PSV Eindhoven on 27 August.

Meanwhile, United’s Ella Toone has revealed her grandmother died on the morning of England’s Euro 2025 final victory over Spain.

The 25-year-old played the opening 87 minutes of Sunday’s match as the Lionesses retained their title thanks to a penalty shootout win. The midfielder lost her father Nick to prostate cancer last September.

“Even in the highest of highs life can hit you with the lowest of lows,” she posted on Instagram. “My Nana Maz took her last breath on the morning of our Euro final. I have comfort in knowing she got to watch from the best seat in the house with Dad, her favourite person.”

She added: “I’ll miss you forever nan but I’ll cherish the special memories we made, there isn’t enough words I can possibly say to sum up the person you were, but I’m grateful you were my nanna. My football-loving, crazy, funny Nan.

“All those years ago when you put a bet on at the bookies that I would play for England one day & on the day you leave us we bring it home again. You always knew it.”

Header image: [Photograph: Poppy Townson/MUFC/Manchester United/Getty Images]