Transfers are like London buses. You wait for one, and then two come along at once! At least that is what has happened for Liverpool Women ahead of their return to action after the winter break.

The Reds completed the loan signing of Sam Kerr from Bayern Munich on Wednesday, before following up her arrival with the loan signing of Julia Bartel from Chelsea on Thursday as Matt Beard bolstered his midfield ranks.

Scotland international Kerr won the Bundesliga title with the Bavarians last season, adding to her five previous league titles with Glasgow City and Rangers. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Bartel joined reigning Women's Super League champions Chelsea from European champions Barcelona last summer.

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Kerr, who will wear the number 24 shirt, is looking to add experience to Beard’s squad. Of her move, she said: “I feel like my career in the last few years has really changed a lot. I obviously moved to Germany and that was a challenge itself, being in that intense environment with such world-class players has been really good for my development.

“And obviously I’ve grown into the role with the national team, which has been really good. I’m hoping to bring my experience and the things I’ve learned over the last couple of years to Liverpool in this loan move. At Scotland I’ve taken on more of a leadership role there and I’ve really grown into the role. I’m still continuing to develop that too.

“In terms of club level, I’m really looking forward to being here at Liverpool and bringing my experience, really taking that challenge and hopefully helping the team get the results needed and get further up the table.”

Meanwhile, Bartel, who will wear number 19, is itching to get started and believes the Reds to be a great fit for her. She said of her transfer: “I'm very happy to be in Liverpool, in a big club and I'm looking forward to getting started here.

"I think Liverpool is one of the big teams in this league and I think the style of play of this club can be great for me. I'm so excited to start the [second half of the] season here.

"I want to enjoy with the team, the matches, the training, and I want to help as well. And then I want to win all the matches possible with this club."

Reds captain retires from international football

Liverpool captain Niamh Fahey has announced her retirement from international football with the Republic of Ireland, having made 115 appearances during a 17-year-old career for her country.

The 37-year-old is a three-time FAI Senior Women’s International Player of the Year, and represented her country at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

The fifth most-capped player in Ireland’s history, the centre-back made a heartfelt announcement confirming her decision on Thursday.

“After 17 years in green, from my debut to cap 115 for the Ireland women’s national team, I have been on a journey beyond expectation and it has been a huge source of immense motivation, privilege and pride,” said Fahey.

“A sincere thank you to all the people who have been on the journey with me and helped me in so many aspects; friends, neighbours, teachers, coaches, colleagues, managers, teammates, fans and many more! Your support, investment, passion and belief has pushed and inspired me in every way possible.

“To my family, who have been a core support and sounding board throughout, I would not have achieved what I have without you. I can’t thank you enough for everything, especially my parents Marjorie and Richard.

“There have been countless highs and lows, but the feeling of elation and satisfaction en route to qualifying and representing our country on the world stage at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 will live long in the memory.

“I look forward to watching and supporting the team and the future generations to come in what is only the continuation of more memorable moments at the highest level for our women’s national team.

“Go raibh míle maith agat [thank you very much].”

Liverpool handed double injury boost

Liverpool have been handed a double injury boost as Marie Hobinger and Sophie Roman Haug both close in on returns.

Hobinger is due back in training this week after being sidelined with a groin injury, while Roman Haug, who has been absent with foot and ankle issues since October, could be available for selection for the Reds’ first home game of 2025 against Brighton & Hove Albion when the WSL resumes next week.

Manager Beard told the club: "Herby should be back in training this week and might be available for the bench against West Ham.

"Sophie will be back in training the week after and hopefully should be back for Brighton.”

Liverpool return to action after the winter-break in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday as they travel to West Ham United (KO 2pm).