Arsenal are gearing up to clinch their first Women's Super League crown since 2019 after a bustling transfer window that saw eight new faces added to the roster. Their rivals, London City Lionesses, have also 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 managed to retain FWA Women's Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw, yet questions linger over whether the defending champions have done enough in the market to safeguard their dominance.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United head into the new campaign with lingering doubts about the adequacy of their summer business, especially when contrasted with West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur, both of which enjoyed eye‑catching recruitment drives. As the WSL transfer window finally slams shut, we take a closer look at the summer's winners and losers with the new season set to kick off on Friday night when London City host Manchester United live on Sky Sports.
**Who Improved the Most?** If the answer isn’t Arsenal or London City, their recruitment departments might need a serious chat. Arsenal’s eighth signing, Elisa De Almeida, joins a group of players who are, by all accounts, entering the prime years of their careers.
The Gunners have also secured Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, and the versatile Geraldine Reuteler, all expected to lift the side’s performance levels and help end the six‑year title drought. London City, on the other hand, refuse to settle for another sixth‑place finish after a lavish spending spree.
Their marquee signings – Alexia Putellas, a Ballon d’Or favourite; centre‑back Mapi Leon, a Champions League winner; and goalkeeper Mary Earps, once named the world’s best keeper – bring a blend of experience and star power that could transform the club’s fortunes. Former England international Jill Scott underscored the importance of a world‑class goalkeeper, noting that Mary Earps’ return to the WSL will be a massive boost for London City.
She added that the depth of experience across the squad, especially with a player of Putellas’ calibre, makes them genuine contenders for the top spots. **Arsenal’s Ecstatic Window** Arsenal’s management expressed sheer delight with their summer activity, believing the squad is now equipped to challenge any opponent. Alongside Stanway and Batlle, the team added Misa Rodriguez, Selina Cerci, and again Elisa De Almeida, all expected to raise the bar.
Young talent Renee Slegers has already impressed at the club’s training ground in London Colney, while promising youngster Lisa Baum is turning heads in sessions. The return of Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang later in the year adds further optimism for a bright future. **London City’s High‑Profile Influx** London City’s spending has been described as a gamble on talent and reputation. Signing Putellas – the favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or – alongside Leon and Earps, gives the club a core of players with both quality and character.
Critics argue the squad may be ageing, and the pressure to deliver quickly is immense, but talent‑wise, the roster is arguably one of the strongest ever assembled in the league. Some pundits list them as title challengers, others as top‑three hopefuls, while a few warn of potential disappointment if expectations aren’t met. **Manchester City’s Mixed Outlook** Manchester City have started the pre‑season dealing with injuries to key figures such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton, and Sydney Lohmann.
To mitigate these setbacks, they brought in Joe Echegini and late‑window signing Carlotta Wamser. The arrivals of Beth Mead and Niamh Charles add depth and experience, yet with Champions League football looming, doubts remain about whether the summer’s activity is sufficient to retain the title. Jill Scott remains confident in City’s title credentials, emphasizing the importance of retaining Bunny Shaw, whose goal‑scoring record speaks for itself.
The addition of Beth Mead, a proven scorer, further bolsters their attacking options, leading many to still view City as favourites. **Manchester United’s New Direction** United have undergone a cultural shift under new head coach Eva Olid, signaling a move toward a younger, more dynamic squad. Their summer spend includes a £700,000 outlay for Swedish winger Monica Jusu Bah and midfielder Rebecca Bernal, injecting pace, excitement, experience, and grit.
However, the looming departure of Ella Toone at the end of her contract adds uncertainty about United’s short‑term ambitions. **Chelsea’s Quiet Reinforcements** Chelsea entered the window without the headline‑grabbing splurge many expected.
They missed out on Bunny Shaw, who chose to stay at City, and a potential world‑record fee for Swedish striker Felicity Schroder, who opted for Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the Gunners secured experienced internationals Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, while also betting on promising youngsters Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo, hoping they can exceed expectations. **Spurs, West Ham and the Rest** Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their ranks with players like Caitlin Dijkstra, who brings UEFA Women’s Champions League experience, and Kirsty Hanson, fresh off a stellar season at Aston Villa. Striker Shekiera Martinez and former Lyon champion Alice Sombath add further firepower, with Spurs targeting at least a fourth‑place finish.
West Ham are equally pleased with their acquisitions. Kelly Gago, previously underutilised at Everton, now offers an exciting attacking option for East London. Ebony Salmon aims to fulfil her early promise, while Laia Codina arrives with a World Cup winner’s medal, adding invaluable experience.
**The Putellas Effect** Alexia Putellas’ arrival has already generated a surge of interest, with London City’s home ground in Bromley selling out for the first time as fans line up to witness her debut. Her status as one of the few global icons of women’s football is expected to attract major brands and raise the league’s commercial profile. Putellas, a four‑time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and World Cup champion, brings a relentless drive for success that has already been felt in training sessions. She believes her world‑class talent will translate week after week on the pitch, a prospect that excites both teammates and supporters.
No player in the WSL has yet claimed the Ballon d’Or, and Putellas hopes her early-season performances will help break that drought. As the season unfolds, the true impact of these summer moves will become clear, and fans can look forward to a thrilling campaign filled with fresh storylines, fierce competition, and the promise of new champions emerging. Watch London City versus Manchester United live on Sky Sports from 6 p.m.
on Friday, with kickoff at 8 p.m. Follow the action across Sky Sports’ digital platforms for in‑game clips and post‑match highlights.