Free transfer fuels Watford’s push as Muya signs in WSL2

31-year-old winger Karin Muya joins Watford on a permanent deal, arriving on a free transfer after departing Charlton Athletic earlier this summer. The club adds her to a squad that is bolstering its push for promotion in the upcoming WSL2 campaign. Watford’s target region is South East London, where the team hopes to climb the league ladder.

The signing was confirmed to WSL Full-Time via an official club press release issued by The Golden Girls this evening. The announcement highlighted Muya’s experience and the strategic timing of the acquisition. Full-Time published the release, confirming the free‑transfer deal.

Muya spent three years at The Valley, Charlton Athletic’s home ground, after joining the club from London City Lionesses in 2023. Her three‑year spell at Charlton gave her ample exposure to the South East London football scene. The move from London City Lionesses marked her return to the capital’s football circuit.

During the 2026/2027 season, Muya featured in every league fixture for Charlton Athletic and scored two goals. Her consistent presence helped the South East Londoners secure promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League. The campaign underscored her reliability and contribution to team success.

Earlier in her career, Muya developed at Chelsea before moving abroad to ASD Orobica Calcio Bergamo. She later joined San Marino Academy, adding international experience to her résumé. These formative years shaped her technical and tactical growth.

Muya also worked under coach Melissa Phillips at London City Lionesses before making the switch to Charlton Athletic. The mentorship under Phillips contributed to her development as a winger. Her time at the Lionesses preceded her successful spell at Charlton.

Known for pace, power and trickery, Muya is expected to be a hit with her new club. The winger marks Watford’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. The Golden Girls continue to invest in the squad ahead of the new season.

Watford’s activity reflects a broader trend of clubs strengthening with experienced free agents ahead of the Barclays WSL2 season. Teams across the league are turning to free‑transfer markets to add quality without transfer fees. This pattern underscores the growing importance of seasoned players in the division.