Arsenal are gearing up to chase their first Women's Super League crown since 2019 after an aggressive recruitment drive that saw eight fresh faces added to the squad. At the same time, London City Lionesses have splashed the cash this summer, highlighted by the headline‑grabbing acquisition of Alexia Putellas – billed as the most significant signing in the league's history – and now appear poised to mount a surprising title challenge.
Manchester City have successfully retained FWA Women's Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw, yet questions remain over whether the defending champions have done enough in the market to secure another championship. Chelsea and Manchester United, on the other hand, head into the new campaign with lingering doubts about the depth and quality of their summer signings and whether those additions will be sufficient to mount a serious title bid. By contrast, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have both enjoyed eye‑catching transfer windows, bringing in a blend of experience and youthful promise that could see them punch above their weight. With the WSL transfer window finally closed, we take a closer look at the summer's biggest winners and losers as the new season kicks off on Friday night, when London City host Manchester United live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports' Anton Toloui summed it up succinctly: if the club that improved the most this window isn’t Arsenal or London City, then their recruitment departments need a serious rethink. Arsenal’s eighth new signing, Elisa De Almeida, joins a group of players who are entering what is traditionally considered the peak years of their careers.
The Gunners have also secured Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, and Geraldine Reuteler, all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles as Arsenal chase that long‑awaited league title. Streaming Sky Sports is now more flexible than ever via the NOW platform, and fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video experience. Arsenal’s ambitions are clear: they want to end the six‑year wait for a league trophy. The club’s hierarchy believes that the influx of talent – including the dynamic forward Georgia Stanway, the creative midfielder Ona Batlle, the versatile Misa Rodriguez, and the promising forward Selina Cerci – will lift the team’s standards and finally push them over the line.
Manager Lisa Baum, who has been praised for her training sessions, is confident that the new arrivals will integrate quickly and raise the overall quality of the side. Additionally, returning players such as Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang are expected to be back before the end of the calendar year, further bolstering the squad’s depth and providing a bright outlook for the future. London City’s summer spending spree cannot be ignored. The club has snapped up the favorite for this year’s Ballon d'Or, Alexia Putellas, a Champions League‑winning centre‑back in Mapi Leon, and a goalkeeper who was once voted the world’s best, Mary Earps.
Despite concerns about the age profile of some signings, the consensus is that the quality and character of these players give London City a genuine chance to compete for the title. Pundits are divided – some see them as top‑three contenders, others label them potential disappointments – but the talent pool is undeniably impressive. 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 London City. She also emphasized the wealth of experience that players like Putellas bring, suggesting that the club will be a serious threat.
Manchester City, however, have hit a few early bumps. Injuries to key figures such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton, and Sydney Lohmann have forced the club to act quickly. They responded by signing Joe Echegini and bringing in Carlotta Wamser toward the end of the window.
The additions of Beth Mead and Niamh Charles add further experience, but with the return of Champions League fixtures, critics are questioning whether the summer’s activity has been sufficient to maintain their dominance. Jill Scott remains optimistic about City’s prospects, pointing to the retention of Bunny Shaw as a major factor. Shaw’s goal‑scoring record speaks for itself, and the presence of Beth Mead, who can provide additional firepower, keeps City in the conversation as title favourites. Manchester United are undergoing a cultural shift under new head coach Eva Olid, who aims to usher in a fresh generation of talent.
The club invested roughly £700,000 at the tail end of the window to acquire Swedish winger Monica Jusu Bah and defender Rebecca Bernal. Bah brings pace and excitement, while Bernal adds grit and experience.
The real test will be how these players gel with United’s existing core, especially as veteran forward Ella Toone approaches the final year of her contract. Chelsea’s summer was marked by ambition, though perhaps not the blockbuster deals some fans expected. They missed out on Bunny Shaw, who ultimately stayed at City, and a proposed world‑record fee for Sweden’s Felicity Schroder fell through when she opted for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, Chelsea secured the services of Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, both of whom bring valuable experience and dynamism.
The club is also banking on the potential impact of youngsters Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo, who could exceed expectations. Tottenham Hotspur have been impressive in the market as well. Caitlin Dijkstra arrives with UEFA Women’s Champions League experience, Kirsty Hanson follows a stellar season at Aston Villa, Shekiera Martinez adds goal‑scoring depth, and Alice Sombath joins as a European champion from Lyon. Spurs are targeting at least a fourth‑place finish this season.
West Ham United are similarly pleased with their acquisitions. Kelly Gago, previously at Everton, offers an exciting attacking option for East London, while Ebony Salmon looks to fulfil her early promise at a new club.
Laia Codina brings a World Cup‑winning medal to the dressing room, adding a winning mentality. Their early test will come against Spurs in the opening week. The excitement surrounding Alexia Putellas cannot be overstated. London City have already sold out their Bromley stadium for the first time, as fans are eager to witness her debut.
Her global profile makes the WSL a more attractive proposition for major sponsors, and her four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and World Cup victory bring a winning pedigree that could elevate the entire league. Putellas herself is confident that her world‑class talent will translate week after week, and she hopes her performances will finally break the league’s Ballon d’Or drought. Fans can watch London City versus Manchester United live on Sky Sports Football from 6 p.m. on Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m.
The match will also be available across Sky Sports’ digital platforms, with highlights and in‑game clips posted shortly after full‑time. For those looking for a bit of extra excitement, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million – entry is free. In summary, Arsenal appear to have maximised their transfer window, positioning themselves as genuine title contenders. London City’s high‑profile signings have turned heads and raised expectations, while Manchester City and Chelsea have made strategic moves but face questions about squad depth and injury concerns.
Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham have all added quality players that could see them push higher up the table. As the new season unfolds, the true impact of these summer deals will become clear, promising an exhilarating campaign for supporters of the Women’s Super League.