Manchester United have confirmed an agreement to sign Sweden defender Hanna Lundkvist on a long-term deal. Lundkvist will officially join on January 1, on a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Women’s Super League side. The move makes Lundkvist the club’s first incoming player of the January transfer window.
Head coach Marc Skinner had said the January window would be aggressive for Manchester United Women, as the club aim to strengthen from a current position of fourth in the WSL. Lundkvist is expected to add depth at right-back and increase competition across the defensive line.
Lundkvist arrives after two seasons with San Diego Wave in the NWSL, where the right-back made 56 appearances. All three goals for San Diego came in league matches.
Before moving to the United States, Lundkvist represented AIK, Hammarby and Atletico Madrid, reaching 179 club games across those spells.
| Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Wave | NWSL | 56 | 3 |
| AIK, Hammarby, Atletico Madrid | Domestic and European | 179 | Not specified |
On the international stage, Lundkvist has appeared 17 times for Sweden. The defender featured in all three of Sweden’s matches at Euro 2025 in July. That involvement underlines steady progress at national-team level, which Manchester United will hope to benefit from in domestic and European competition.
Lundkvist explained the attraction of the move and the current status of Manchester United. "I am really excited to be here; Manchester United is a club with an amazing history," she told the club’s website. Lundkvist spoke about the stature of the club and the chance to play at the highest level.
It's time to meet our newest recruit. Welcome to United, Hanna Lundkvist pic.twitter.com/dLVDbmYkA8Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) December 27, 2025
Lundkvist highlighted Manchester United’s recent progress in domestic and European competitions. Lundkvist said the team have grown in recent seasons, competing in one of the strongest leagues globally and playing in the Champions League. Discussions with Marc Skinner and the coaching staff reassured Lundkvist about the squad’s culture and daily standards.
Lundkvist added that conversations confirmed all the positive reports about the environment within the team. Lundkvist stated that there is eagerness to start work quickly and help the group reach further success. The signing therefore fits Manchester United Women’s clear plan to build on recent results in the WSL and in Europe.
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