Manchester United Women are closing in on Rebeca Bernal after the Mexico international completed a medical ahead of a proposed move from Washington Spirit. The transfer was still awaiting final confirmation on 2 September, with no official announcement, fee, contract length or registration details confirmed yet, but the 29-year-old could soon become the first Mexican player to feature in the Women’s Super League.
- Bernal has completed a medical ahead of a potential move to Manchester United Women.
- The deal was close to being confirmed around the Women’s Super League transfer deadline, but it has not yet been officially announced.
- Washington Spirit remain her current club, while Bernal could offer Manchester United options in central defence or midfield.
Rebeca Bernal’s Manchester United Situation
Rebeca Bernal completed her medical ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Super League transfer deadline, bringing Manchester United’s move closer to confirmation.
Manchester United’s interest fits their squad-building plans. If the deal goes through, Bernal would become the club’s fourth summer signing after Janina Leitzig, Andrea Medina and Monica Jusu Bah, adding another experienced option to the group before the window shuts.
Washington Spirit Context and the Pending Agreement
Washington Spirit remain Bernal’s current club, which is why this move still depends on an agreement beyond the completed medical. She joined the NWSL side from Monterrey in February 2025 on a three-year deal running through December 2027, so Manchester United still need to get the final terms in place with the Spirit before anything can be treated as done.
Bernal’s recent absence from Washington’s 1-0 win over Bay FC points to the move being close, but it does not change the status on its own. The club listed her as an excused absence, and that provides useful context rather than definitive proof that the transfer has already been completed.
Her spell in Washington has still been a productive one. Bernal has made 41 appearances for the Spirit, including 20 in 2026, and she won the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup in her first match for the club.
What Bernal Could Bring to Manchester United
Bernal was used mainly in defence during her first season with Washington Spirit before featuring more often as a midfield anchor in 2026, giving Manchester United an option who could strengthen more than one area of the squad.
Her experience is another attraction. Bernal has won 65 senior caps for Mexico and scored seven goals, including the winner in the 2023 Pan American Games final against Chile. Earlier in her career, she spent eight seasons at Monterrey and helped the club win four Liga MX Femenil titles, before also being named in the Best XI at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
A completed move would give Manchester United another seasoned international ahead of the new campaign. It could also put Bernal on course for a notable Women’s Super League milestone if the final confirmation arrives as expected.
