Arsenal are gearing up for what could be their first Women's Super League crown since the 2019 campaign, having bolstered their roster with eight fresh signings. Their rivals, the London City Lionesses, have splashed the cash on a high‑profile summer, highlighted by the acquisition of Alexia Putellas – billed as the most significant transfer in the league's history – and now appear poised to mount a surprise title bid.
Manchester City have successfully retained FWA Women's Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw, yet questions linger over whether the reigning champions have done enough in the market to safeguard their dominance for another season. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United enter the new campaign with lingering doubts about the depth of their summer recruitment and whether their squads possess the firepower to genuinely challenge for the top spot. By contrast, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have both enjoyed eye‑catching transfer windows, adding several quality players to their ranks.
With the WSL transfer window finally closed, we take a closer look at the summer's biggest winners and losers as the league prepares to kick off on Friday night, when London City host Manchester United live on Sky Sports. According to Sky Sports analyst Anton Toloui, if Arsenal and London City are not the clear beneficiaries of this window, their recruitment departments need to reassess their strategies. Arsenal's eighth new arrival, Elisa De Almeida, joins a group of players who are entering what many consider the peak years of their careers.
The Gunners have also secured the services of Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, and Geraldine Reuteler, all expected to make immediate impacts as the club chases its first league title in four years. London City, on the other hand, cannot afford another sixth‑place finish after a summer of headline‑grabbing signings. The club has added the Ballon d'Or favourite Alexia Putellas, Champions League‑winning centre‑back Mapi Leon, and former world‑best goalkeeper Mary Earps to an already strong squad.
Despite concerns about the age profile and the pressure to deliver quickly, the talent on paper suggests they could be genuine contenders for the championship, a top‑three finish, or at the very least, a serious challenger. Former England star Jill Scott highlighted the importance of a world‑class goalkeeper, noting that Mary Earps' return to the WSL will be a massive boost for London City.
She also praised the experience within the squad, emphasizing that Putellas' presence alone elevates the team's ambitions. Manchester City have started the pre‑season on a shaky note, grappling with injuries to key figures such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton and Sydney Lohmann.
In response, they have added Joe Echegini and Carlotta Wamser late in the window, while the signings of Beth Mead and Niamh Charles increase their depth. Yet, with the Champions League looming, pundits are debating whether the summer's activity is sufficient to keep the title race within reach. Jill Scott remains confident in City's prospects, citing the retention of Bunny Shaw as a major factor.
Shaw's prolific scoring record, combined with the newly arrived Beth Mead, gives City a potent attacking edge that could see them retain the league crown. Manchester United have undergone a philosophical shift under new head coach Eva Olid, who is tasked with ushering in a fresh generation of talent. The club invested roughly £700,000 in the final days of the window to bring in Swedish winger Monica Jusu Bah and defender Rebecca Bernal, adding pace, excitement, experience, and resilience to the squad. However, the looming departure of Ella Toone, whose contract expires at season's end, adds an element of uncertainty to United's short‑term plans.
Chelsea, traditionally a powerhouse, seemed to adopt a more measured approach this summer. While they missed out on Bunny Shaw, who chose to stay at City, they made strategic signings such as Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, whose experience should inject dynamism into a side that struggled for consistency last season. The club also placed faith in promising youngsters Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo, hoping they can exceed expectations and provide a surprise boost.
Tottenham Hotspur have assembled an impressive roster, featuring UWCL veteran Caitlin Dijkstra, former Aston Villa standout Kirsty Hanson, goal‑scorer Shekiera Martinez, and former Lyon champion Alice Sombath. Their aim is realistic: secure at least a fourth‑place finish and continue building a squad capable of challenging the league's elite. West Ham United are equally pleased with their off‑season moves. The arrival of striker Kelly Gago, who struggled for minutes at Everton, offers a new attacking option for East London.
Ebony Salmon, eager to fulfil her early promise, and Laia Codina, a World Cup‑winning defender, add depth and quality. Their early test will come against Spurs in the opening week, a match that could indicate whether they have bridged the gap to the league's upper tier.
Putellas' signing has already generated unprecedented excitement. London City sold out their Bromley stadium for the first time, with fans eager to witness the former Barcelona and Barcelona star's debut. Her global profile is expected to attract major sponsors, enhancing the commercial appeal of both London City and the WSL as a whole. Putellas, a four‑time UWCL champion and World Cup winner, brings a winning mentality that has already influenced training sessions; now the true test will be her performances on match days.
No player in the WSL has yet claimed the Ballon d'Or, and Putellas hopes her early-season form will help break that barrier, adding another historic milestone to her illustrious career. The season kicks off with London City versus Manchester United on Friday, live on Sky Sports at 6 p.m., with the match commencing at 8 p.m.
Fans can follow the action across Sky Sports' digital platforms, enjoy in‑game clips, and catch highlight reels shortly after full‑time. Additionally, Sky Sports is running a Super 6 competition offering a £1 million prize, with free entry for viewers.