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Emily Keogh
Multiple Authors
The transfer window for the Women’s Super League (WSL) is set to open on June 18. Although financial constraints persist in women’s soccer, several intriguing transfers may emerge. Here’s what we anticipate for the league this summer.
Chelsea is seeking a striker after missing out on Bunny Shaw from Manchester City.
With the expiration of Sam Kerr‘s contract this summer and Catarina Macario‘s return to North America to join the San Diego Wave FC after multiple injuries, Chelsea’s offensive options are looking sparse. The team struggled this past season without a defined No. 9, as Mayra Ramírez missed nearly all of the WSL season, and Aggie Beever-Jones dealt with recurring injuries, making the signing of a striker a top priority.
The situation may worsen, as ESPN reports that Ramírez could be heading to Real Madrid, and Beever-Jones is out of contract, though the club plans to activate her one-year option.
With Shaw remaining at Manchester City after the club matched Chelsea’s offer, Sonia Bompastor will now need to find alternative ways to fill the gap. Sources have informed ESPN that Chelsea made a significant attempt to sign 19-year-old BK Häcken forward Felicia Schröder, but are also exploring various other options.
Chelsea must also bolster their squad in other positions. England left-back Niamh Charles is likely to depart, with speculation linking her to Madrid; however, she may stay in England with Manchester City. In response, sources indicate that Chelsea is focused on acquiring former Arsenal defender Katie McCabe on a free transfer, edging out interest from Manchester City and teams in the NWSL.
Sources have indicated that Chelsea aims to bring in at least six new players this summer, having initiated discussions with Heerenveen midfielder Aymee Altena and Twente winger Sophie Proost. Neither is expected to join immediately as they need further development in their current leagues.
With Shaw re-signed, what further moves do the champions City need to make for the UWCL?
City explored several striker options before securing Shaw’s new four-year contract, including West Ham United‘s Shekeira Martinez, who ultimately signed with Tottenham Hotspur. However, sources claim they are close to finalizing a free transfer for Beth Mead after her departure from Arsenal.
Moreover, City were keen on signing McCabe from Arsenal following Leila Ouahabi‘s exit, but acquiring Chelsea’s Charles could suffice to address their needs in that position.
The champions will also seek additional rotational players to improve their squad depth. However, a major transfer spree is not expected for Andrée Jeglertz’s side, as they’ve already developed a strong core and welcomed several new players last summer.
Arsenal must invest to regain their title competitiveness; where should they focus?
Arsenal has already experienced a significant departure of players via free agency, although their 36-year-old captain Kim Little has signed a one-year extension.
The departures of veterans like Mead and McCabe would create substantial gaps, particularly if they land with rivals such as City and Chelsea. The loss of squad players like Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova, who may also transfer to another WSL team, and defender Laia Codina will further limit their options for rotation.
Despite losing multiple players, Arsenal is taking advantage of the free agent market by signing Bayern Munich and England midfielder Georgia Stanway, and adding depth with former Barcelona right-back Ona Batlle. Sources suggest both have already agreed to terms with the Gunners for this summer.
Additionally, Eintracht Frankfurt and Switzerland midfielder Géraldine Reuteler, 27, is set to join Arsenal, while negotiations are ongoing for Hoffenheim and Germany forward Selina Cerci, who is also in talks with other WSL clubs.
Arsenal still requires additional players for depth in wing and central defense as injuries and rotation issues plagued them this season. Losing more players in these areas without proper reinforcement could worsen their challenges.
Manchester United faces a challenge without European football; can they secure top targets?
Manchester United has experienced two positive transfer windows, despite manager Marc Skinner acknowledging that the team cannot match the budgets of other WSL clubs. However, they need fewer excuses and more players.
United performed commendably during their first UWCL campaign, but recurring injuries disrupted their progress. They now require reinforcements in various positions, particularly in central defense and attack, with links to Atlético Madrid’s full-back Andrea Medina.
It’s unexpected that the club might part ways with Norway striker Elisabeth Terland, as reported by The Athletic, given she is one of their most effective attackers. The January signings Lea Schüller and Ellen Wangerheim have had difficulties, and with a tight striker market, United would be unwise to let Terland go without a suitable replacement.
Having made their UWCL debut last season could help in attracting new talent, but their inability to maintain a top-three finish and the absence of European competition for the 2026-27 season could pose a significant challenge.
London City Lionesses invested over £2 million to revamp their squad last summer. Will the trend continue?
London City is determined to continue attracting top talent with ambitions to rise to the pinnacle of the game, including interest in former Barcelona stars Mapi León and Alexia Putellas.
Negotiations for defender León, 30, are more advanced than those for midfielder Putellas, 32, but the London club remains hopeful about attracting the former Ballon d’Or winner, even amidst their mid-table position and lack of Champions League involvement. Her high caliber, however, poses a challenge due to the NWSL’s salary cap.
London City is also interested in acquiring former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who is set to depart Paris Saint-Germain, and former Arsenal forward Mead, who is rumored to be heading to Man City.
As the transfer window progresses, expect London City to remain active.
Are there any other noteworthy deals on the horizon?
– Kerr’s future remains uncertain, as the Australia striker is reportedly considering options within the NWSL.
– Spurs have already made moves to secure Martinez from West Ham, along with Netherlands international defender Caitlin Dijkstra.
– Former Manchester United midfielder Katie Zelem has joined West Ham on a permanent basis after a loan tenure with London City.
– Recently, ESPN revealed that Lineth Beerensteyn is set to join Real Madrid following her exit from Wolfsburg, turning down a possible WSL move.