Arsenal are gearing up to capture their first Women's Super League crown since the 2019 campaign, having bolstered their ranks with eight fresh signings. At the same time, London City Lionesses have splashed a substantial amount of money on new talent, most notably securing Alexia Putellas—widely billed as the most high‑profile acquisition in the league's history—in hopes of mounting an unexpected title bid. Manchester City have managed to retain 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 another championship season.
Chelsea and Manchester United, on the other hand, head into the new campaign with lingering doubts about the adequacy of their summer recruitment, especially when contrasted with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur, both of which have enjoyed eye‑catching transfer activity. With the WSL transfer window finally closed, it is time to assess the summer's winners and losers as the season prepares to kick off on Friday night when London City host Manchester United live on Sky Sports.
**Who Improved Most?** According to Sky Sports analyst Anton Toloui, if the answer to "Which club improved the most this window?" does not include Arsenal or London City, their recruitment departments need a serious reality check. Arsenal's eighth new arrival, Elisa De Almeida, joins a cohort of players who are entering what many consider the peak years of their careers.
The Gunners have also added Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, and Geraldine Reuteler, among others, all expected to lift the side’s standards and finally break the title drought that has haunted them since 2019. Arsenal fans are ecstatic, believing the squad now possesses the depth and quality to challenge any opponent. In addition to the high‑profile signings, the club anticipates the return of promising talents Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang later in the year, further brightening the outlook for the North London outfit. **London City Lionesses: A Dream Team?** London City’s summer spending spree has been nothing short of spectacular.
The club has secured the favorite for this year’s Ballon d'Or, Alexia Putellas, alongside Champions League‑winning centre‑back Mapi Leon and former world‑best goalkeeper Mary Earps. While some critics argue the roster is ageing, others point out the blend of experience and character that makes this group a genuine contender.
Former England international Jill Scott highlighted the importance of a world‑class goalkeeper, noting that Mary Earps’ return to the WSL will be a massive boost for the Lionesses. Scott also emphasized the wealth of experience within the squad, stating that Putellas’ presence alone elevates the team's ambitions. **Manchester City: Injuries and Reinforcements** City have not started the season on an ideal note, grappling with injuries to key figures such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton, and Sydney Lohmann. To mitigate these setbacks, the club snapped up Joe Echegini and late‑window signing Carlotta Wamser.
They have also added Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, expanding their pool of seasoned internationals. Despite the injury concerns, former England star Jill Scott remains confident that City are still title favourites, largely thanks to retaining Bunny Shaw and the addition of Beth Mead, who should help replenish the goal‑scoring tally. **Manchester United: A New Direction** United are undergoing a cultural shift, appointing Eva Olid as head coach to usher in a new generation of players.
Their summer spending was modest compared with rivals, but they did invest around £700,000 to bring in Swedish winger Monica Jusu Bah and defender Rebecca Bernal. The latter adds grit and experience, while Bah injects pace and excitement. The real test for United will be how they manage the final year of Ella Toone’s contract and whether they can compete with the league’s heavyweights. **Chelsea: Missed Opportunities?** Chelsea entered the window with high expectations but fell short of a blockbuster overhaul.
They made a league‑leading bid for Bunny Shaw, which ultimately failed as she stayed at City. A rumored world‑record offer for Swedish striker Felicity Schroder was also turned down in favour of a move to Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, Chelsea have bolstered their squad with seasoned internationals Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, as well as promising youngsters Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo, who could exceed expectations. **Tottenham Hotspur: Ambitious and Ready** Spurs have added UEFA Women’s Champions League veteran Caitlin Dijkstra, former Aston Villa standout Kirsty Hanson, goal‑scoring prospect Shekiera Martinez, and former Lyon champion Alice Sombath.
The club is targeting at least a fourth‑place finish and believes these signings provide the necessary firepower. **West Ham United: Quiet but Effective** West Ham’s summer has been quieter but no less impactful.
Striker Kelly Gago, who struggled for minutes at Everton, arrives with the potential to energise East London. Ebony Salmon looks to fulfil her early promise, while Laia Codina brings a World Cup winner’s medal to the dressing room.
A stern early test against Spurs will gauge whether the Hammers can translate their signings into a higher league standing. **The Putellas Effect** Alexia Putellas’ arrival has already generated a surge of interest in London City’s home ground in Bromley, with tickets selling out for her debut. Her global profile is expected to attract major sponsors, elevating the league’s commercial appeal.
Putellas, a four‑time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and World Cup champion, brings a relentless drive for success that has already permeated training sessions. While no WSL player has yet won the Ballon d’Or, Putellas hopes her performances this season will help break that barrier.
**Looking Ahead** The opening fixture—London City versus Manchester United—will be broadcast live on Sky Sports at 6 p.m. (kick‑off at 8 p.m.) and streamed across Sky’s digital platforms. Fans can also follow in‑game clips and highlights shortly after full‑time.
As the season unfolds, the true impact of this summer’s transfer activity will become evident, shaping the narrative of who will dominate the WSL in 2024‑25. Enjoy the action, and don’t miss the chance to win £1 million in the Super 6 competition—entries are free.