Building on a legacy of success, looking towards Europe

HJK Helsinki Women have joined the TransferRoom Women’s Marketplace, reinforcing the club’s commitment to international growth, player development and modernising its approach to recruitment and transfers.

As the most successful club in Finnish women’s football history, HJK have built a remarkable legacy, winning 25 Finnish league titles and 18 Finnish Cups. Alongside their domestic achievements, the club has established a strong reputation for developing talent and helping players progress to some of Europe’s top leagues.

Now, with women’s football becoming increasingly global, the current Kansallinen Liiga champions see TransferRoom's Women's Marketplace as an important tool in helping the club achieve its long-term ambitions.

For Sporting Director Joonas Sarelius, the decision reflects both the club’s current position and its vision for the future.

“HJK Women has taken major steps forward in recent years, both on and off the pitch,” he said.

“We have built a strong academy and player development pathway, achieved domestic success, and developed a proven track record of transferring players to bigger European leagues.

“Our vision is to build a smart, sustainable and ambitious operation that can compete successfully in Europe, while continuing to grow the club commercially and strengthen the foundations for long-term success.”

With that ambition in mind, joining TransferRoom’s new Women’s Marketplace was a natural next step.

“International networking and proactive transfer activity are becoming increasingly important in women’s football,” Sarelius said.

“We want to strengthen our international connections, improve our recruitment and transfer processes, and create more opportunities for both incoming and outgoing transfers.

“As a club with a strong player development pathway, international recruitment ambitions, and a proven track record of transferring players to bigger European leagues, we see TransferRoom as a valuable platform to support our sporting ambitions and long-term growth.”

As the women’s game continues to evolve, Sarelius believes TransferRoom's Women's Marketplace addresses some of the biggest challenges currently facing the transfer market.

“The women’s transfer market is growing quickly, but it can still lack transparency, structure, and direct connections between clubs,” he said.

“TransferRoom helps solve those challenges by improving communication, increasing market visibility, and making recruitment and transfer processes more efficient and accessible for clubs.”

For HJK, the benefits extend beyond the club itself and could help strengthen the wider Finnish football landscape.

“It can help clubs in our league become more internationally connected, improve player mobility, and strengthen the overall transfer ecosystem,” Sarelius explained.

“In the long term, that can support higher sporting quality, stronger player development pathways, and create more international opportunities for clubs and players.”

Looking ahead, Sarelius believes platforms like TransferRoom will play a significant role in shaping the future of the women’s game.

“Women’s football is becoming increasingly global and professional,” he said.

“Platforms like TransferRoom can accelerate that development by making international collaboration, scouting, recruitment, and player movement easier, faster, and more transparent.

“That benefits clubs, players, and the overall growth of the women’s game.”

And for clubs still considering whether to join the platform, his message is clear.

“Be proactive, be open to international collaboration, and think strategically,” he said.

“Women’s football is becoming increasingly global, and strong networks, direct market access, and active transfer activity can create important opportunities for clubs, players, and the long-term development of the game.”

Join the Women's Marketplace now

Clubs from leagues across the globe have already signed up, including a host of big sides in the WSL, Scandinavia, the NWSL, France’s Première Ligue and Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga, and the global network is growing fast.

Find out everything you need to know, and see how to register for the new Women’s Marketplace on TransferRoom now, here.

Be part of TransferRoom LIVE Virtual: Women's Football

TransferRoom LIVE Virtual: Women's Football connects over 100 influential decision-makers from leading clubs and Trusted Agents across the globe for virtual transfer discussions.

These virtual gatherings create a dynamic environment for real-time negotiations and direct communication at key moments of the football calendar, all without the barriers of traditional networking.

Click here to join us online for TransferRoom LIVE Virtual: Women's Football.