Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of completing a deal to bring in Mexico international Rebeca Bernal from NWSL side Washington Spirit, in a move that would make her the first Mexican player to appear in the Women's Super League.
The 29-year-old defender, who is also comfortable operating in central midfield, has built a strong reputation since joining Washington Spirit from Mexican club CF Monterrey in February 2025. In her time with the American side, she has made 41 appearances and helped the team lift the NWSL Challenge Cup earlier this year.
An indication that a transfer may be imminent came over the weekend, when Bernal was left out of Washington Spirit's NWSL fixture against Bay FC on Sunday. The club listed her non-participation as an "excused absence," fueling speculation that a move to England was close to being finalized.
Bernal has established herself as a key figure for the Mexican national team, amassing 65 caps and contributing seven goals. Among her most memorable moments in international colors was scoring the decisive goal in the final of the 2023 Pan American Games, where Mexico defeated Chile to win the tournament for the first time in the country's history.
Should the transfer go through, Bernal would add both defensive solidity and international pedigree to a United squad undergoing significant changes this offseason. Her versatility to play across the back line or in midfield could give new head coach Eva Olid additional tactical options as she seeks to build her squad ahead of the new campaign.
The potential arrival of Bernal comes amid a busy period of recruitment for the Red Devils. The club has already brought in defender Andrea Medina from Atletico Madrid, goalkeeper Janina Leitzig from Leicester City, and Swedish winger Monica Jusu Bah from BK Hacken, as United look to strengthen multiple areas of the squad under their new manager.
Olid, who takes charge of United for the first time in a competitive fixture, will oversee her side's WSL opener away at London City Lionesses on Friday. The string of summer signings suggests an ambitious rebuild is underway at Old Trafford as the club aims to compete at the top end of the table this season.
Bernal's move, if confirmed, would also mark a notable moment for Mexican football, opening the door for the WSL to become a more visible pathway for players from the country's national team setup. Her scoring exploits and consistent performances for El Tri have already made her one of the most recognizable names in the Mexican women's game, and a move to one of England's most storied clubs would further raise her profile on the international stage.
As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, all eyes will be on Manchester United to see whether the deal for Bernal is finalized in time for her to feature as part of Olid's plans this season, or whether the defender-midfielder will need time to adapt before making her WSL debut.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.