The Women's Super League (WSL) summer transfer window opens on June 24 and closes on September 13. There have already been several players who have announced that they will be leaving when their contracts expire, although we should expect big moves. based on recent history.
Transfer records were broken across women's football in the 2023-24 season, when WSL clubs recorded 226 transfers, a higher level of activity than each of the previous three seasons, according to Deloitte.
So who could move? We assess what could happen at each of the 12 WSL clubs this summer.
ARSENAL
Even before the window opened, Arsenal were moving quickly. Ahead of the final game of the season against Brighton, they announced the departures of goalkeepers Sabrina D'Angelo and Kaylan Marckese, as well as the WSL's all-time leading scorer, Vivianne Miedema.
The club is set to sign Champions League winner Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona, sources told ESPN, which will help fill the void left by Miedema. Meanwhile, midfielder Victoria Pelova ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and CBS reports that a move for Barcelona's Keira Walsh is being considered, as the Gunners deal with Pelova's prolonged absence and prepare for eventual retirement of Captain Kim Little, 33 years old. .
While Arsenal don't need major changes after two successful summers, they can get rid of players like Giovana Queiroz (who has been on loan at Madrid CFF) or Chloe Lacasse (who has struggled to get minutes) to stay within the 23 cap. WSL players.
ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa need to appoint a new manager before recruiting players as former boss Carla Ward left at the end of last season. The respect she had from her players may make some leave with her, but so far only Olivia McLoughlin (Rangers) has left.
Striker Alisha Lehmann has attracted interest from Juventus, according to journalist Mauro Munno, and goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar could also leave despite signing last summer and having been linked with Arsenal. The club appear set to try to get midfielder Miri Taylor to sign a permanent deal, while Jordan Nobbs and Dan Turner have recently signed new contracts. Villa, who finished seventh in the WSL, are in a transition phase and must determine their strategy for next season before looking for new faces.
BRIGHTON & HOV ALBION
As much as Brighton need players, they need an identity after boss Mel Phillips was sacked in February. Now under their fifth manager in two years, the club will look to start anew once again after letting 10 players go last summer and signing 11.
Veatriki Sarri, Tatiana Pinto (who signed last summer) and England international Katie Robinson have already announced their departures, while sources tell ESPN that 13-goal striker Elisabeth Terland is also attracting the attention of bigger clubs. A striker, a winger and a couple of defenders will be needed to plug the gaps and rebuild if Brighton are to avoid facing relegation once again.
CHELSEA
Having made some impressive moves in recent transfer windows, Chelsea have little to do this time around. Last summer, they recruited the likes of Catarina Macário and Hannah Hampton for the future; Then in January they addressed injury issues and spent a world record €450,000 to bring in Mayra Ramírez from Levante. With loanees Wieke Kaptein (Twente), Alejandra Bernabe (Real Sociedad) and Brooke Aspin (Bristol City) set to return to the club, as well as established stars Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel set to return from injury in a few months, the club's Chelsea is strong. However, new coach Sonia Bompastor is looking to put the Emma Hayes era behind her and can look for players who suit her style. With the departure of veterans Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde, some experienced additions could be considered.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Entering their debut season in the WSL, Palace secured promotion with significant help from the loan system, using key players such as Ria Percival (Tottenham), Lucy Watson and Lexi Potter (both Chelsea) to win the championship. Likely to rely on this strategy again, Palace need experienced top-class players and leaders to remain competitive, and they need to learn from Bristol City's failed campaign last season.
Given that only two players per club can join another WSL team on loan, Palace may have to think smart. There are plenty of free agents available, but no major links have been made so far.
EVERTON
Everton faced such major injury problems last season that manager Brian Sorenson began taking a notebook to his pre-match press conferences to keep track of which players were unavailable that weekend. And for the most part, it was a considerable number of his team.
Therefore, Everton needs to strengthen its squad throughout this summer. But, given the club's financial problems, they will have to get the most out of their money. Stalwarts such as goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan are out of contract and, with no information on how talks over a new deal are progressing, Everton may have to consider replacing her. Sorenson has managed to retain defender Elise Stenevik and forward Katja Snoeijs, and could turn to the Scandinavian market for more value.
LEICESTER CITY
Like Villa, Leicester need a manager following the departure of Willie Kirk. Although the club recruited well, with a good mix of experience and young talent in the team, it did not perform as expected and lacks players familiar with the WSL. Leicester are likely to add depth while integrating successful academy prospects such as Ava Baker or Denny Draper. According to the BBC, Asmita Ale could join permanently from Tottenham Hotspur after a successful loan spell last summer. But given the lack of a manager at the moment, with Jennifer Foster in interim charge, it wouldn't be a surprise to see several departures.
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LIVERPOOL
One of the revelations of last season, Liverpool achieved a well-deserved fourth place last season and have manager Matt Beard to thank. Much of the attention and budget went into opening the former men's training ground, Melwood, for women's use only. Now, Beard has the opportunity to strengthen his squad in the window.
Although defender Emma Koivisto made a surprising exit, along with Shanice van de Sanden and Melissa Lawley, Beard doesn't need to make any big changes. Portuguese outlet A Bola reported on a link between Liverpool and young Canadian Olivia Smith of Sporting CP. It would be a statement signing, but so far a deal for the 19-year-old is just speculation.
MANCHESTER CITY
Sources told ESPN that City are ready to make a major move by signing Miedema as a free agent following his departure from Arsenal. Another source indicated the club is targeting a defender following the retirement of former captain Steph Houghton and Esme Morgan's move to the NWSL's Washington Spirit.
Aside from these additions, City do not need to target many players due to their strong squad, having made three signings in January (Laura Blindkilde Brown, Poppy Pritchard and Tara O'Hanlon), before a plethora of contract extensions, including those of Lauren Hemp and manager Gareth Taylor followed. However, with Chloe Kelly's future uncertain, City could look for a new winger. Marca reports that Barcelona are very interested in signing City's Spanish defender Laia Aleixandri (if they don't land Levante's María Méndez), which could also lead to another defensive signing.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Last summer, United saw a surprising 22 players leave (17 permanently, five on loan). This time, fewer departures are expected, but some key names could leave. Sources told ESPN that captain Katie Zelem and goalkeeper Mary Earps are undecided about their futures and both are considering a move when their contracts expire in the summer. Earps have been on a rollercoaster ride, with links to Arsenal, Barcelona and other top clubs in the last two transfer windows.
French striker Melvine Malard could return to Lyon after her loan spell, but the club are exploring options to sign her permanently, while Lucía García and Irene Guerrero have been heavily linked with moves to Mexico. The Athletic reports that Nikita Parris turned down the opportunity to move to the NWSL ahead of the FA Cup final, but sources told ESPN she could still move there this summer.
United will recover several injured players, but many gaps remain. There is pressure on manager Marc Skinner to make some vital deals after extending his United contract for a further year.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Spurs aim to sign Grace Clinton permanently once her loan from Man United expires this summer, but sources have told ESPN that she is likely to return to Manchester until her contract expires in 2025.
Former Chelsea striker Kirby is a potential target, according to ESPN sources, however there is expected to be plenty of interest from other clubs in the 30-year-old. Tottenham also appear eager to secure defender Amanda Nildén with a permanent contract from Juventus, as manager Robert Vilahamn, who made a splash in his first season, will need depth and options in midfield to ensure the team's ability to finish the games. matches.
WEST HAM UNITED
According to the BBC, defender Hawa Cissoko could be in line to move to Roma. Given the club's lack of experience, it is the last thing they need, but boss Rehanne Skinner is hoping to permanently sign 31-year-old Shelina Zadorsky following her loan move from Spurs. The Hammers will also need to sign a goalkeeper if Mackenzie Arnold does not renew his contract. Skinner inherited a young squad but has so far not added the experience needed to make an impact, so he will be a priority in this window.
