Man Utd near deal for Mexico's Bernal
August 31, 2026 08:21
Manchester United are reported to be close to acquiring Mexico international Rebeca Bernal from NWSL side Washington Spirit. The deal has not been announced by the clubs, so the move remains unconfirmed in the source.
Bernal, 29, is a versatile player able to operate centrally in defence or in midfield. Washington Spirit missed her from their recent squad for an NWSL match, describing her absence as "excused".
KEY CONTEXT
Bernal moved to Washington Spirit in February 2025 from CF Monterrey and has made 41 appearances for the club. She is an established Mexico international, with 65 caps and seven goals.
One of her most notable contributions for Mexico was scoring the winner in the 2023 Pan American Games final against Chile, a result that secured the tournament title for Mexico for the first time. Manchester United have been active in the transfer market this summer, already signing Andrea Medina, Janina Leitzig and Monica Jusu Bah as they prepare for the new season under new manager Eva Olid.
WHY IT MATTERS
If completed, the transfer would mark the first time a Mexican player has been represented in the Women's Super League, expanding the league’s international reach. Bernal’s ability to cover both centre-back and midfield roles would offer tactical flexibility to United as they head into a campaign under a new manager and with recent squad additions.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Formal confirmation from Manchester United and/or Washington Spirit about the transfer.
- Whether Bernal will be registered in time to feature at the start of United’s WSL campaign under Eva Olid.
- Any clarification from Washington Spirit regarding the nature of Bernal’s recent "excused absence" from the matchday squad.
KEY FACTS
- Reported target: Rebeca Bernal (29), Mexico international.
- Plays centrally: either as a centre-back or in midfield.
- Joined Washington Spirit in February 2025 from CF Monterrey; 41 appearances for the Spirit.
- Mexico record: 65 caps and seven goals.
- Scored the winning goal in Mexico’s 2023 Pan American Games final victory over Chile.
- Manchester United have also signed Andrea Medina, Janina Leitzig and Monica Jusu Bah this summer.