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Emily Keogh
The 2026 winter transfer window for the Women’s Super League (WSL) will open on January 2 and close on February 3. What are the teams looking to accomplish?
Leading the standings by six points as the winter break begins, Manchester City has set a strong pace. Action will resume on January 10, while Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United will need to strategize on how to catch up. Here’s a breakdown of what each WSL team aims to achieve when the transfer window opens.
Manchester City
Manchester City has had a strong start to the season, and new manager Andree Jeglertz is expected to assess potential enhancements. A defensive midfielder is of interest to provide backup for Yui Hasegawa, who is a crucial player for the squad. City boasts an impressive attack with 32 goals this season, led by prolific scorer Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, whose contract is expiring this summer. Securing a long-term deal for her will be a top priority.
Chelsea
Chelsea has limited areas for improvement but aims to re-sign key players whose contracts are nearing expiration. Recently secured contracts for some newcomers may help, but players like Aggie Beever-Jones, Lucy Bronze, and Sam Kerr are up for renewal. While some injured players may necessitate short-term acquisitions, Chelsea’s depth gives them the flexibility to handle minor issues internally.
Arsenal
The current European champions need to make significant moves in this window to recover their season. With an eight-point gap to league leaders City and a Champions League playoff against OH Leuven on the horizon, reinforcements in key positions are essential. A backup goalkeeper and right-back to rotate with Emily Fox are priorities. Additionally, a young center back and midfield depth are needed to bolster the lineup, especially given the team’s older average player age.
Manchester United
Manchester United is in need of additional depth to support their ongoing UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid. The team is battling for a top-three finish in the WSL, but has faced challenges after a quiet summer transfer window. With forward Celin Bizet unavailable due to pregnancy, January appears pivotal for their aspirations. They are reportedly targeting Bayern Munich striker Lea Schüller and San Diego Wave defender Hanna Lundkvist, but they urgently need to address their center back situation with only three options available.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham has already secured a notable signing of Norwegian prospect Signe Gaupset from Brann. After an unsatisfactory 11th-place finish last year, Spurs are in a better position this season under new manager Martin Ho. However, injury challenges necessitate added depth, and they are looking to bring in Chelsea midfielder Maika Hamano on loan while also needing to fill the gap left by Jessica Naz‘s ACL injury.
London City Lionesses
The Lionesses are currently in search of a new manager after parting ways with Jocelyn Precheur. The newly promoted team needs to address depth issues, especially with a goalkeeper to improve their defense after conceding the third-most goals in the WSL. While their squad boasts experience, younger players are essential for future growth.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton needs a striker following the ACL injury of Arsenal loanee Michelle Agyemang. Although Kiko Seike has performed well, adding depth in attack will support their position in the league. With a solid defense thanks to their goalkeepers, investing in defensive depth could improve their overall results.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa is in need of a reliable forward, as their current scoring rank is low. With players like Rachel Daly and Kirsty Hanson struggling to score, finding a prolific striker will be key to enhancing their attack. Additionally, strengthening their defense with versatile players and boosting the squad’s leadership could benefit their future growth.
Leicester City
Leicester City is in desperate need of reinforcements, having recorded the lowest goal tally (7) and conceding 20 goals this season. To remain competitive, bolstering their attacking options on the wing and at striker is essential. Moreover, enhancing midfield creativity will be crucial to improve their performance.
Everton
Everton has made progress but has struggled to break the mid-table barrier in recent seasons. Although they possess talent, injuries have posed challenges. The need for creativity is paramount, as they have found it difficult to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Adding creative playmakers will be crucial, particularly if Kelly Gago leaves the club, whose talent has caught the eye of major teams.
West Ham United
West Ham has faced struggles following a series of poor results, leading to the dismissal of Rehanne Skinner. New manager Rita Gaurino inherits a team that requires immediate improvements. The club needs to address defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded the most goals in the WSL, and adding a striker and a versatile midfielder will be vital to strengthen their squad.
Liverpool
Liverpool faces a significant uphill battle, having not replaced key players following the sale of winger Smith and currently sitting at the bottom of the table. The team has struggled with depth and sustained injuries and now must make necessary acquisitions to improve their situation. Remaining competitive in the WSL will heavily depend on their actions during this transfer window.