The Women's Super League transfer window has officially closed ahead of the 2024-25 season, with the deadline set for Friday at 11pm BST (6pm ET). While the window remains open in other European leagues for a few more days, all 12 WSL teams have finalised their squads for the upcoming campaign.
Some clubs acted quickly and secured key signings to begin preparing, while others gambled on last-minute signings and failed. Some teams rushed to close last-minute deals to cover injuries, and lower-division clubs stretched their tight budgets to keep up with big spenders like Arsenal and Chelsea. The transfer window saw a flurry of high-profile signings, and the pressure is on to see how these signings will impact the season.
With four clubs under new managers, including champions Chelsea, who are under former Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor, the teams have a fresh look and the new season promises to be highly competitive.
As we close the book on this eventful window, let’s look at the winners and losers: those who got their recruiting strategy right and those who still have gaps to fill.
Winners
ARSENAL
Arsenal wasted no time in landing a marquee signing, signing Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona on a free transfer.
Renowned for her versatility and precision finishing, the Spanish international instantly elevated the team's attacking prowess. Caldentey's ability to adapt seamlessly across the entire forward line has had a significant impact, propelling the Gunners to a higher level of play.
Her influence was immediate and she played a crucial role in Arsenal's qualification for the second round of UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying. With her arrival, Arsenal have sent a clear message about their intention to challenge and overthrow Chelsea's dominance in the WSL.
MARC SKINNER
Amid turmoil at Manchester United, manager Skinner masterminded a remarkable transfer window, securing key signings such as Elisabeth Terland, Anna Sandberg and Dominique Janssen.
These acquisitions have brought fresh talent and strength to the squad. Despite the off-pitch issues, this transfer window stands out as one of the best in the WSL this summer, with each player bringing experience and skill.
The ability to attract so much top-class talent amidst the chaos speaks volumes about the club's ambitions, and marks this window as a significant turning point for Manchester United.
EVERTON
Despite Everton's financial challenges, manager Brian Sorensen has delivered a masterclass in recruitment.
By securing key signings in Toni Payne, Inma Gabarro, Honoka Hayashi and Veatriki Sarri, Everton have strengthened in crucial areas, all within a strict budget.
These signings not only add quality and depth, but also respond to the club's need to avoid the injury problems of last season. Sorensen's shrewd investments have injected versatility and resilience into the squad.
Chelsea
Under new coach Bompastor, the WSL champions are primed for a dynamic transformation.
The Frenchwoman was keen to reshape the team, which has won seven titles. Several stalwarts left the club, but this was counterbalanced by a combination of promising young talents and experienced players joining the team, notably the signing of right-back Lucy Bronze from Barcelona.
By incorporating her own vision and drawing on her experience with emerging players, Bompastor has created a world-class team. With a roster packed with international stars and a renewed drive to excel, Chelsea has the talent and depth to compete fiercely in both the WSL and the Champions League.
WSL REGISTRATION FEES
With Olivia Smith demanding a record fee to join Liverpool, Manchester City recruiting three Japanese internationals and Ella Morris making the jump to Tottenham Hotspur from Southampton, the WSL has shattered previous benchmarks.
Just a week before the transfer window closed, clubs had already spent a staggering £1.75m ($2.3m), signalling an unprecedented surge in investment. These high-profile moves reflect the league’s growing global appeal and competitive ambition, as teams aggressively bolstered their squads to compete for the three coveted Champions League spots and the WSL title.
Neutral
DARIO VIDOŠIĆ
The team is under new management and has a completely new squad.
For the second season running, Brighton & Hove Albion have undergone a major restructuring, with nine new signings (including England international Nikita Parris from Manchester United on the final day of the transfer window) replacing the 13 players who left (four on loan). Vidošić has reshaped the squad, but the real concern lies in Brighton's managerial record. With six managers in just two seasons, longevity at the club is a rarity.
If the Australian coach is given time to develop his squad, he could unlock the team's potential. However, if he doesn't get off to a quick start, Vidošić could be forced to hop on a plane back to Australia before the season is over.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Palace have taken ambitious steps to close the gap between the Women's Championship and the WSL.
By securing three young talents on loan from Chelsea and the temporary addition of Lily Woodham from Seattle Reign, head coach Laura Kaminski is banking on these new talents to keep pace with the competitiveness of the league. The playing field is more competitive than ever with the backing of the Premier League for all 12 WSL teams.
However, the disparity between the leagues remains huge and Palace will need a strong start to maintain their top-flight status throughout the season. The pressure is on Kaminski to ensure these new signings can perform at their best from the off and secure their place in the WSL.
Tottenham Hotspur
Manager Robert Vilahamn had to fight hard to prevent Grace Clinton from returning to Manchester United, but the club's determination was unwavering. In the end, Spurs not only lost Clinton, but also saw promising Norwegian winger Celin Bizet Ildhusøy sign for United and reunite with her former teammate.
While Spurs have brought in Hayley Raso and Maite Oroz from Real Madrid as replacements, including for the injured Kit Graham, the departure of Clinton and Bizet leaves significant uncertainty.
Their creative spark was crucial last season and there are questions about how effectively Spurs will compete without these key attacking talents. Next season will be a tough one.
Losers
West Ham United
After a difficult season with a young squad, West Ham's problems persist as they face a major exodus, losing six key and experienced players including goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, Japanese internationals Risa Shimizu and Honoka Hayashi and standout defender Hawa Cissoko.
In response, manager Rehanne Skinner has brought in mostly young talent under the age of 27, but the same challenge looms over them: a glaring lack of experience. As the 2024-25 season approaches, West Ham’s squad remains untested and youthful, leaving questions over whether the youth team can compete with the WSL’s experience.
ENGLISH MANAGERS
Let's think about the English managers for a moment. The management landscape in the WSL has changed dramatically.
With former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes in charge of the US women's national team and former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward retired from coaching for now, there are only four English managers left in the league. They include Liverpool's Matt Beard, Manchester United's Marc Skinner, West Ham's Rehanne Skinner and Kaminski of newly promoted Crystal Palace.
This changing of the guard signals a new era in the WSL, where the representation of English coaches is declining but the diversity of the league continues to grow.
KEIRA WALSH
According to ESPN sources, Walsh has been keen to return to the WSL since last season. However, Barcelona are sticking to their guns and are refusing to part with their star midfielder.
Walsh, a key figure in the squad, will have to wait until next summer, when she becomes a free agent, if she hopes to return to England. Unless she makes a breakthrough in the January transfer window, the talented playmaker's plan to return to the WSL remains on hold.
BK HÄCKEN
The WSL has stripped Sweden of a large portion of its starting lineup from last season, leaving it bereft of significant talent. Arsenal swooped for rising star Rosa Kafaji, Anna Sandberg joined Manchester United, Anna Csiki signed for Tottenham and Aisha Masaka left for Brighton.
The Swedish side are in the middle of the season and now face the huge challenge of filling the void left by these key departures. With so many key players gone, the team is left without experienced players ahead of facing Arsenal in the second round of Champions League qualifying next week.
