The 2026-27 Women’s Super League season is just around the corner, with teams actively preparing their rosters to compete for the championship.
As we approach the opening match on Sept. 4, where the London City Lionesses will face off against Manchester United, writers Emily Keogh and Yash Thakur examine the transfer activity of major clubs and pose significant questions each team should consider.
Transfer Window Description: Economical
Arsenal has made strategic moves to enhance their squad, effectively utilizing the free-agent market this summer. They’ve brought in goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, defender Ona Batlle, along with midfielders Georgia Stanway and Géraldine Reuteler, without incurring any transfer expenses. The funds saved have allowed them to sign Lisa Baum to add versatility on the wing, although they still feel underprepared in certain positions.
Particularly in wing and central defense, Arsenal appears to have a thinner squad than desired. Sources indicate that the club remains active in the transfer market despite making significant early signings. There’s optimism that enhanced depth will enable them to compete vigorously in both the WSL and the Champions League, but many fans express concerns about glaring weaknesses, especially considering the team has three first-choice goalkeepers.
Key Question: Can Arsenal Break Their Slow Start Habit?
Arsenal hasn’t clinched a league title in seven years, and despite Chelsea’s struggles last season, they failed to capitalize, allowing Manchester City to take advantage. Arsenal’s title-contending status has felt distant for some time, as they’ve historically sluggish beginnings hinder their chances of catching up in the latter part of the season.
Learning to juggle Champions League duties with domestic competitiveness has been essential, but with their wealth of experience, Arsenal is expected to be in contention until the end of each season.
Following last season’s Champions League triumph, the side was due for a revamp, but fans are left wondering if they can truly break the cycle of disappointment after seven years without a domestic title, especially given their continental success. — Emily Keogh
Chelsea
Transfer Window Description: Quiet
A quieter transfer window isn’t necessarily negative, especially since Chelsea was active during Sonia Bompastor’s first two windows. This summer, the club acquired defender Katie McCabe from Arsenal, forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United, Manaka Matsukubo from NC Courage, and promising youngster Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona. They also secured England youth defender Nelly Las.
Chelsea’s main objective was to align the squad with Bompastor’s vision, as she inherited Emma Hayes’ team. By retaining their core players while also adding depth and letting go of older players, the squad now appears more cohesive. While some adjustment is expected initially, the team has the resources to succeed.
Key Question: Can Chelsea Reclaim Their Dominance?
After finishing third last season and losing their WSL title, Chelsea finds themselves at an unfamiliar low since 2019. This situation also implies that they are not directly qualified for the UWCL league phase and must navigate the last qualifying round.
Last season was tumultuous for Chelsea, raising questions about whether they still possess the supremacy they once did or if last year was merely a hiccup under Bompastor’s leadership after Paul Green’s departure.
With the league catching up to them in recent years, reclaiming their silverware will necessitate exceptional performance from Bompastor and her squad. — Keogh
Transfer Window Description: Blockbuster
This summer marked a transformative period for London City as they brought in heavyweight talent, including Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, the 2023 Women’s World Cup’s top assister Kadidiatou Diani, two-time FIFA Best goalkeeper Mary Earps, and defender Mapi León, who possesses 18 major trophies from her time at Barcelona.
It’s been an exhilarating window for London City, propelling their ambitious project forward. As the only fully independent women’s club in the WSL, their new acquisitions increase their chances of bridging the gap with the league’s elite. The inclusion of 20-year-old midfielder Daniela Arques further strengthens their youthful core alongside players like Lucía Corrales and Freya Godfrey.
Key Question: Will London City Have Enough Time to Gel?
After a midtable finish in their inaugural WSL campaign, London City owner Michele Kang orchestrated a significant transformation this summer to elevate the club’s competitiveness. With seven new arrivals and six departures, their changes emphasize quality over quantity.
Despite improvements, such an extensive turnover may necessitate time for team cohesion. Will they have the luxury of that time?
Manager Eder Maestre must successfully establish a balanced formation that optimizes his players’ strengths. With the presence of Putellas and León, London City now has the capacity to control matches in ways that were previously unattainable, boasting at least one star player in every position. — Yash Thakur
Transfer Window Description: Underwhelming
Manchester City has seen exits this summer, with notable players like Beth Mead and Niamh Charles being their sole signings thus far. While Mead, who joined as a free agent after a decade at Arsenal, introduces a unique dynamic to the wing, the departure of City winger Kerolin to Barcelona for up to £1.25 million casts doubts on whether Mead is truly an upgrade or merely a replacement.
Key Question: Will Manchester City Regret Not Bolstering Their Squad?
After breaking their dry spell for a WSL title last season, City seems to be relying on the philosophy of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” in their summer dealings.
Last season, City leaned heavily on pivotal players, achieving impressive squad stability. Retaining key pieces like top scorer Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who netted 21 goals, is a positive, but they must address their depth to manage the additional challenges of the UWCL.
Repetition of last season’s successes is uncertain, especially as they capitalized on slow starts from Arsenal and Chelsea. The team may need similar circumstances to safeguard their title.
The coming season’s outcome will largely depend on whether Shaw and prominent defensive midfielder Yui Hasegawa can maintain their form. — Thakur
Manchester United
Transfer Window Description: Disappointing
Manchester United has seen departures, including Millie Turner, Leah Galton, and Malard, but have only replaced them with left-back Andrea Medina and backup goalkeeper Janina Leitzig.
While their defense should hold up, the rest of their squad remains problematic. They have failed to reduce their reliance on midfielder Hinata Miyazawa, who played predominantly last season.
Allowing leading scorer Malard to join Chelsea for £850,000 without having an immediate replacement is arguably their biggest misstep.
Key Question: Where Does Manchester United Go After Skinner?
Manchester United has lingered near the WSL’s elite for a while, earning three Women’s FA Cup final appearances and winning the title in 2023-24. However, the recent departure of long-time manager Marc Skinner signals potential trouble.
With the new season just a month away, the club is searching for Skinner’s successor (with Hearts’ Eva Olid in strong contention) and is emphasizing integrating youth rather than bolstering their squad via transfers.
The composition of United’s roster appears unbalanced, with three strikers—Elisabeth Terland, Lea Schüller, and Ellen Wangerheim—all competing for the same roles, while 32-year-old Fridolina Rolfö stands as their sole true winger.
Competing for a top-three finish appears unlikely this season. — Thakur
Transfer Window Description: Perfect
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy has been nothing short of exceptional as they’ve managed to secure their primary targets before the season’s start, leaving their squad well-prepared. Manager Martin Ho swiftly pinpointed weakness earlier in his tenure and took steps to reinforce them.
Now featuring Champions League winners and seasoned internationals, the squad is also integrated with promising academy players such as Ella Morris and Jess Naz.
The current roster presents a perfect mix of experience and youthful talent. If their plans unfold as envisioned, Spurs could emerge as serious contenders to break into the upper reaches of the table and pursue European qualifications.
Key Question: Can Spurs Compete Against the WSL’s Elite?
On paper, Spurs have had the most promising transfer window. The contrast from nearly experiencing relegation in the 2024-25 season to now attracting former Champions League champions is astounding.
It’s clear that Ho has developed a concrete vision for how he wants his team to perform, including strategic acquisitions such as Alice Sombath for defense to partner with Togo Koga, facilitating improved defensive play.
With London City also investing heavily, there is fierce competition in the middle of the league to secure Champions League spots. Ho acknowledges that last season’s performance exceeded expectations, but areas needing improvement still remain. A significant challenge for Spurs in competing for the top of the WSL will be translating better matchups against rivals—their head-to-head record against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United is lacking (two wins, four draws, and 45 losses).
The groundwork for a solid season is laid, but success may ultimately depend on their performance against top-tier sides. — Keogh