Overview of the WSL Summer Transfer Window
The recent closure of the Women’s Super League (WSL) summer transfer window signaled a significant shift in the landscape of women’s football, wrapping up at 11 p.m. BST on Thursday. The window unfolded in two main phases, initially quiet due to the proximity of the Euro 2025 tournament before intensifying as September approached. A remarkable aspect of this transfer period was the breaking of the women’s world transfer record not once, but three times, with two of those instances occurring within the WSL — Olivia Smith’s transfer to Liverpool and Grace Geyoro’s move to London City. With the window now closed until January 2026, teams have secured their squads, but their performances during the transfer period varied greatly.
Key Transfers and Team Strategies
Chelsea continued to assert their dominance, bringing in high-profile talent including Australian right-back Ellie Carpenter from Lyon, who reunites with her former coach Sonia Bompastor. The club also invested in promising young players, acquiring goalie Livia Peng, who impressed at the recent Euro tournament, alongside promising forward Mara Alber. Additionally, Chelsea’s strategy concluded dramatically with the signing of USWNT winger Alyssa Thompson for $1.5 million (£1.1m), elevating their already strong roster further.
Arsenal also made headlines by signing talented Canadian winger Olivia Smith from Liverpool for a record-breaking $1.4 million (£1 million) in July. Although their transfer activity might not have been as loud as some fans expected, the club proved effective by securing Chloe Kelly on a free transfer and signing defender Taylor Hinds for added depth, reflecting a calculated approach rather than a focus on high-profile acquisitions following their Champions League win.
In contrast, the newly promoted London City made an impressive splash in the transfer market, thanks to the backing of owner Michele Kang. They secured the services of 16 players, including experienced internationals like Daniëlle van de Donk and Alanna Kennedy, effectively enhancing their squad’s leadership. The highlight of their recruitment was the last-minute acquisition of Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering €1.65 million ($1.9 million), making a bold statement about their ambitions in the league.
Challenges Faced by Other Clubs
On a less positive note, Manchester United faced significant challenges during the window, only managing to add three players to their thin squad. Despite securing quality in the form of former Barcelona player Fridolina Rolfö and Sweden’s Julia Zigiotti Olme, coach Marc Skinner’s team still has glaring deficiencies in defense and is vulnerable, especially with a Champions League campaign on the horizon. The departure of Grace Clinton to Manchester City only heightened concerns over squad depth.
Leicester City, after sacking manager Amandine Miquel shortly before the season began, scrambled to make last-minute additions with an interim manager stepping in. Their efforts resulted in three new signings, but the overall lack of cohesive strategy and quality raises doubts about their capability to compete effectively this season.
Despite significant financial outlay from the Liverpool men’s side, the women’s team saw limited investment, casting a shadow on their summer transfer ambitions. With just £1 million left after the transfer of Olivia Smith and a late managerial change, the team has not adequately addressed prior departures, leaving them thin on experience as they begin their new campaign.
Overall, while some clubs thrived in the transfer market, others must confront potential struggles ahead in the league.
