Arsenal Secures Promising Talent Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby

On Monday, Arsenal Football Club confirmed their first signing of 2026, bringing in Smilla Holmberg from the Swedish side Hammarby on what has been described as a ‘long-term contract’. The 19-year-old full-back had been under consideration by the Gunners for some time, with reports from Aftonbladet suggesting a deal was ‘close’ back in October. Following the opening of the January transfer window last Friday, Arsenal was able to officially announce the acquisition.

Upon the announcement, Holmberg expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s always been my dream to play for Arsenal. This is a very special moment for me and my family, but it’s also about joining a club with the highest standards and a strong winning culture. I’m excited to start this new chapter, to continue developing my game in a demanding environment and to compete at the highest level. My ambitions align with the club’s, and I want to help win silverware here.”

Holmberg’s new head coach, Slegers, remarked, “We’re thrilled to welcome Smilla to the club. She’s a very talented young defender who brings versatility and athleticism, with significant potential for development. I’m looking forward to working with her as we aim for more trophies together.”

Having made her debut for Hammarby at the tender age of 15, Holmberg has captured the attention of many clubs across Europe. Notably, she trained with Lyon, the eight-time European champions, highlighting her potential early on. Although interest from abroad simmered for a while, she remained dedicated to Hammarby, making 96 appearances over four seasons. Her consistent performance earned her a spot in the Sweden national team, where she shone at the European Championship last summer, despite experiencing a setback with a missed penalty in the quarter-finals against England.

Following that tournament, Holmberg returned to complete the 2025 Damallsvenskan season, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 26 league appearances. Her contributions helped Hammarby secure second place in the league, qualify for the Champions League, and win the Swedish Cup, while also earning her the accolade of Breakthrough of the Year at the league’s end-of-season awards.

Given her rising profile, it was no surprise that Aftonbladet reported in October that “basically every major club” was interested in the young talent. Arsenal had initially aimed to sign her the previous summer but ultimately managed to secure her signature this winter for an undisclosed fee.

January signings are critical for Arsenal, who have faced inconsistencies during the first half of the 2025-26 season, despite a triumphant finale over Barcelona in the Champions League. With only six wins from their first 11 WSL games, the north London club is currently eight points behind league leaders Manchester City. Holmberg’s arrival not only strengthens a defense that has seen mixed results but also adds a dynamic offensive threat, thanks to her athleticism.

Moreover, Holmberg’s signing may influence other transfers during the month, as Arsenal is well-stocked in the full-back position with Emily Fox, Katie McCabe, Taylor Hinds, and Jenna Nighswonger. While McCabe and Hinds frequently rotate roles, Nighswonger has struggled for game time since joining Arsenal last year. Consequently, Holmberg’s arrival could make Nighswonger a prime candidate for departure this month.