Arsenal are gearing up to chase their first Women's Super League crown since 2019 after an aggressive recruitment drive that has seen eight fresh faces added to the roster. Their rivals, the London City Lionesses, have also splashed the cash this summer, most notably by securing Alexia Putellas—touted as the most high‑profile signing in the league’s history—in hopes of mounting a surprise title challenge. Manchester City, meanwhile, 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 run. Chelsea and Manchester United enter the new campaign with lingering doubts about the depth of their squads, while West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur can boast of eye‑catching summer activity that could see them punch above their weight.
As the WSL transfer window finally slams shut, we take a closer look at the summer's biggest winners and losers, setting the scene for a season that kicks off on Friday night when London City host Manchester United live on Sky Sports. **Arsenal: A Summer to Remember** If the question "Who improved the most this window?" does not immediately bring Arsenal to mind, their recruitment team may need a reality check. The Gunners have introduced Elisa De Almeida as their eighth new signing, and the bulk of their arrivals—Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Misa Rodríguez, Selina Cerci and others—are players who should be entering the prime of their careers.
The expectation is that these signings will raise the overall quality of the squad and finally push Arsenal over the line to claim their first league title in seven years. The club also has promising youngsters such as Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang set to return before the end of the calendar year, adding depth and future potential. Head coach Lisa Baum has been praised for the progress she sees in training, and the overall sentiment among the squad is one of optimism and confidence.
**London City Lionesses: The Big‑Money Gamble** London City’s summer has been defined by headline‑grabbing acquisitions. The club secured Alexia Putellas—widely regarded as a favorite for this year’s Ballon d'Or—alongside Champions League‑winning centre‑back Mapi León and former world‑best goalkeeper Mary Earps. In addition, they added experienced internationals such as Caitlin Dijkstra and Alice Sombath, creating a roster that blends proven winners with emerging talent.
Critics argue that the squad is aging, while others point to the sheer pressure of expectations placed on a team that spent heavily to avoid another sixth‑place finish. Still, the talent pool is undeniable; the question now is whether the coaching staff can integrate these stars quickly enough to mount a genuine title challenge. Former England international Jill Scott highlighted the importance of a world‑class goalkeeper, noting that Earps’ return to the WSL will be a massive boost for the Lionesses.
**Manchester City: Holding the Fort** City have retained their star forward Bunny Shaw, whose goal‑scoring record remains impressive. However, the start of the season has been hampered by injuries to key players such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton and Sydney Lohmann.
To address squad depth, City added Joe Echegini and late‑window signing Carlotta Wamser. They also secured experienced internationals Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, bolstering their attacking options. Despite these moves, questions remain about whether the summer’s business is sufficient to keep the club at the summit, especially with the added demands of Champions League football. Jill Scott remains confident, citing the retention of Bunny Shaw and the arrival of Beth Mead as indicators that City remain favorites.
**Manchester United: A New Direction** United have undergone a philosophical shift, appointing Eva Olid as head coach to usher in a new generation of players. The club spent roughly £700,000 at the tail end of the window to bring in Swedish winger Monica Jusu Bah and midfielder Rebecca Bernal, adding pace and experience respectively. Yet the biggest story is the looming departure of Ella Toone, who is in the final year of her contract, leaving United’s attacking future uncertain. **Chelsea: Missed Opportunities** Chelsea entered the market with ambitions to out‑spend rivals but fell short of securing top targets.
They made a league‑leading offer to Bunny Shaw, which was ultimately rejected in favour of Manchester City. A potential world‑record fee was tabled for Sweden’s Felicity Schroder, but she opted for Real Madrid. Chelsea did manage to add seasoned internationals Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, as well as promising youngsters Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo, hoping these players can inject dynamism into a side that appeared flat last season.
**Tottenham Hotspur: Quietly Ambitious** Spurs may not have splashed the cash, but their summer signings have been strategic. Caitlin Dijkstra brings UEFA Women’s Champions League experience, Kirsty Hanson arrives after a standout season at Aston Villa, Shekiera Martinez adds goal‑scoring firepower, and Alice Sombath joins as a European champion from Lyon. The club’s realistic target is a top‑four finish, and the new additions could be the catalyst they need. **West Ham United: Building Momentum** West Ham’s off‑season has been productive.
Striker Kelly Gago, who struggled for minutes at Everton, now has a platform to showcase her talent in East London. Ebony Salmon, a player with early promise, looks to fulfill her potential, while Laia Codina brings the experience of a World Cup winner to the dressing room. Their early test will be an away match at Tottenham in Week One, a fixture that could set the tone for the season. **The Putellas Effect** Alexia Putellas’ arrival has already generated a surge of interest.
London City’s home ground in Bromley sold out for the first time, reflecting fans’ eagerness to see the Spanish star in action. Her reputation as a four‑time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and World Cup champion adds global appeal to the WSL, attracting major brands and increasing the league’s marketability.
Putellas herself is confident that her world‑class talent will translate into consistent performances week after week, and she hopes to finally break the league’s Ballon d'Or drought. **Looking Ahead** The season promises a blend of familiar powerhouses and ambitious newcomers. Arsenal’s refreshed squad, London City’s star‑laden lineup, Manchester City’s depth, and the strategic moves by Chelsea, United, Tottenham and West Ham set the stage for a compelling competition. Fans can tune in to the opening clash between London City and Manchester United on Sky Sports at 6 p.m.
(kick‑off 8 p.m.) and follow the action across Sky’s digital platforms, with highlights and in‑game clips available shortly after each match. The transfer window may be closed, but the real drama begins on the pitch as clubs test whether their summer investments can deliver the results they crave.