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Emily Keogh
Multiple Authors
The winter transfer window for 2026 has closed, paving the way for the second half of the Women’s Super League season.
Some clubs seized the opportunity in January to bolster their squads, while others’ lack of activity could hinder their aspirations for the season. Here’s a closer look at the teams that emerged victorious in the window and those that fell short.
WINNERS
Liverpool
After suffering three ACL injuries and facing various issues that left them with as few as five outfield substitutes, Liverpool made the most of the transfer window by securing four crucial signings. Their standout addition, Ireland international Denise O’Sullivan, brings invaluable experience as they fight to avoid relegation.
Since the appointment of former Manchester City coach Gareth Taylor last summer, the team has encountered challenges, but their form has recently improved, with draws against London City Lionesses, Chelsea, and West Ham United. This momentum alongside their winter acquisitions brings optimism for the remainder of the WSL season.
Tottenham
Spurs enhanced their squad by introducing four Scandinavian players over the summer, leveraging manager Martin Ho’s regional expertise from his previous role at Norwegian club SK Brann. They made most signings early in the window.
This season, Spurs acted swiftly to replenish their squad with players well-suited to Ho’s attacking strategy. Young Norwegian midfielder Signe Gaupset joined even before the WSL window opened, followed by left-back Julie Blakstad from Hammarby IF and Hanna Wijk and Matilda Nildén from BK Hacken.
These signings have addressed critical gaps in midfield and attack, where Spurs have historically created many chances but struggled to score. With a strong start to the season placing them fifth in the WSL, level on points with rivals Arsenal, the additions inspire hope for continued success.
Scandinavian Players
January has historically been a period of high movement for Scandinavian players, thanks to the preseason activity in Norway and Sweden, and this window was no exception. The influx included seven Swedes, five Norwegians, and Denmark’s Malou Marcetto, drawn by the increased competitiveness, better facilities, and higher wages in the WSL.
Top movers from Scandinavia this window included Spurs’ newcomers, two of United’s signings, and Arsenal’s sole acquisition, Smilla Holmberg, highlighting the trend. These transitions are a critical step for younger players seeking recognition and solidifying their places in their national teams, exemplified by Cathinka Tanberg’s experience after her move to Spurs last summer. The repeated movement within the WSL presents endless prospects for players migrating to England.
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LOSERS
Leicester City
The relegation battle has highlighted issues for teams such as West Ham and Liverpool, while Leicester City has slipped under the radar. However, with both of those teams strengthening in January, Leicester finds itself in a precarious position.
With a thin squad and inconsistent performances, Leicester currently sits in 12th place, just two points clear of Liverpool and one above West Ham. Following a near-relegation last season due to budget constraints, this year could follow a different trajectory.
The club brought in three experienced WSL players: Rachel Williams, Ashleigh Neville, and Alisha Lehmann, along with Emma Jansson, but their ages suggest the need for a youthful rebuild. As the lowest scorers in the WSL this season, they concluded the window lacking a playmaker, wing creativity, and a reliable goal scorer.
Chelsea
It’s unusual for a club with a history of setting transfer records like Chelsea to emerge as a “loser” in a transfer window, yet their inactivity this month puts them in this category.
Although January can often be quiet for the top WSL teams—Arsenal and City managed only one signing each—Chelsea has yet to fill gaps despite possessing the largest budget in the UK. Head coach Sonia Bompastor’s squad currently lacks an effective striker. Mayra Ramírez has been injured since the summer, Catarina Macario will be out for several more weeks, Sam Kerr is gradually regaining her form post-ACL injury, and Aggie Beever-Jones has struggled after getting injured while on international duty.
In defense, the absence of center back Nathalie Björn leaves a significant void. Chelsea attempted to bring in midfielder Jennifer Echegini from Paris Saint-Germain but was unsuccessful after two bids.
As Chelsea faces a risk of missing out on European qualification next season, they sit 12 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City and all but out of the title race without a remarkable turnaround. They remain in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup final, but following their worst league defeat since 2018—a staggering 5-1 loss to City—this lack of activity only intensifies the pressure on Bompastor.
Scandinavian Leagues
While the WSL has seen a surge of Scandinavian players seeking opportunities this window, their home leagues have suffered a depletion of talent. The Damallsvenskan and Toppserien are increasingly becoming feeder leagues for wealthier European and North American leagues like the WSL and NWSL. With insufficient resources and funding, clubs have noted they cannot decline transfer fees that even mid-level WSL teams can offer, hindering their ability to nurture and retain talent.
This trend is not new: Scandinavian clubs have been forced to rebuild annually following player exits. Despite generating substantial revenue from transfers, the ongoing wave of departures could jeopardize the leagues, leaving them unable to keep pace with the demand for players.
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HONORABLE MENTIONS
Manchester United
Despite adding three new signings—including German striker Lea Schüller and Swedish internationals Ellen Wangerheim and Hanna Lundkvist—keeping United out of the “winners” column seems justified, as significant issues linger.
Though United has advanced to the knockout stages of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, they face fierce competition for European qualification next season and currently have a concerning lack of depth on defense, with just three first-choice center backs available. While their midfield appears well-staffed, it lacks balance and versatility. Additionally, there’s a heavy reliance on Phallon Tullis-Joyce in goal, leaving little room for rotation.
Although the three winter signings may support their quest for a top-three finish in the WSL, unresolved weaknesses could dictate the outcome of their season. If these shortcomings result in critical losses or an early Champions League exit, this window might be viewed as a missed opportunity rather than a success.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s sole permanent signing, Holmberg, adds essential depth at right-back, yet the club’s overall strategy—aiming for a squad overhaul in the summer—does little to improve their immediate standing.
With plans for major player exits, including long-term members like Katie McCabe and Beth Mead, Arsenal is said to be negotiating with pre-agreements for free agents like Georgia Stanway and Ona Batlle for the upcoming season. Although this is a positive step, it raises questions about the slow evolution of the squad and fails to bridge the 13-point gap between Arsenal and WSL leaders City. This situation also complicates their attempt to defend their Champions League title amidst several injuries.