Arsenal are gearing up to chase their first Women's Super League crown since 2019 after an aggressive recruitment drive that saw eight new faces added to the roster. Their rivals, the London City Lionesses, have also splashed the cash this summer, highlighted by the acquisition of Alexia Putellas – billed as the most high‑profile signing in the league's history – and now appear poised to mount a genuine title challenge.
Manchester City have managed to retain FWA Women's Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw, yet questions remain about whether the defending champions have done enough in the market to secure another championship. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United enter the new campaign with lingering doubts about the depth of their summer signings and whether those additions will be sufficient to mount a serious bid for the top spot.
By contrast, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have both enjoyed eye‑catching transfer activity that could see them improve significantly. As the WSL transfer window finally closes, we take a closer look at the clubs that have emerged as winners and losers from the summer business. The new season kicks off on Friday night when London City host Manchester United live on Sky Sports, and the early fixtures will offer the first clues about how the summer deals have reshaped the competitive landscape. According to Sky Sports analyst Anton Toloui, if any club besides Arsenal or London City can claim to have improved the most during the window, they should have a serious conversation with their recruitment department.
Arsenal's eighth signing, Elisa De Almeida, joins a group of players who are all entering what many consider the prime years of their careers. The Gunners have banked heavily on the potential of Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Geraldine Reuteler and several other high‑profile arrivals to finally break their title drought. Streaming Sky Sports flexibly with NOW, using the Sky Sports app, and viewing through Chrome for the best video experience are all recommended for fans eager to follow the action. Arsenal’s new signings are expected to lift the squad’s standards dramatically.
Georgia Stanway, a proven goal‑scorer, and Ona Batlle, a creative midfielder, are set to add firepower, while Misa Rodriguez, Selina Cerci and Elisa De Almeida provide depth across the pitch. Manager Lisa Baum has already expressed confidence in the impact these players are making during training sessions at London Colney. Additionally, the return of Katie Reid and the promising youngster Michelle Agyemang later in the year suggests a bright future for the club.
London City, on the other hand, cannot afford a repeat of a sixth‑place finish after splurging on a star‑studded roster. Their summer signings include the favorite for this year’s Ballon d'Or, Alexia Putellas, Champions League‑winning centre‑back Mapi Leon, and goalkeeper Mary Earps, who was once voted the best keeper in the world. Despite concerns about the squad’s age profile and the pressure to deliver quickly, the quality and character of these players make them genuine contenders.
Some pundits list them as title challengers, others see them as top‑three aspirants, while a few warn they could become major disappointments if the chemistry does not click. 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 praised the experience of Alexia Putellas, suggesting that her presence will elevate the team’s ambitions. Manchester City have started the season on a less than ideal note, grappling with injuries to key figures such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton and Sydney Lohmann.
To mitigate these setbacks, they secured the services of Joe Echegini and late‑window signing Carlotta Wamser. The club also added Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, bolstering their experience pool ahead of a return to Champions League competition. While some question whether the summer activity has been sufficient, retaining Bunny Shaw remains a cornerstone of City’s title hopes. Shaw’s prolific scoring record, now complemented by Mead’s attacking prowess, keeps City firmly in the conversation for the championship.
Manchester United face a shift in philosophy 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 bring in Swedish winger Monica Jusu Bah and defender Rebecca Bernal, adding pace, excitement, experience and grit to the squad. However, the looming departure of Ella Toone, whose contract expires at the season’s end, presents a significant test of United’s long‑term planning. Chelsea’s summer was less spectacular than expected.
Although they missed out on a league‑leading contract offer to Bunny Shaw, who stayed with City, they did attempt to secure a world‑record fee for Swedish striker Felicity Schroder, who ultimately chose Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the Blues added seasoned internationals Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, injecting experience and dynamism into a side that struggled for consistency last season. Young prospects Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo are also expected to make a bigger impact than initially predicted, offering depth and potential for growth.
Spurs have also impressed with their acquisitions. Caitlin Dijkstra arrives with UEFA Women’s Champions League experience, while Kirsty Hanson, fresh from a standout season at Aston Villa, and goal‑scorer Shekiera Martinez add firepower. Alice Sombath, a European champion with Lyon, rounds out a squad that realistically targets at least a fourth‑place finish.
West Ham United are delighted with their off‑season moves. Striker Kelly Gago, who struggled for minutes at Everton, is expected to light up the East London attack. Ebony Salmon aims to fulfill her early promise in a new environment, and Laia Codina brings a World Cup winner’s medal to the dressing room, enriching the squad’s experience.
Their early test against Spurs away in Week One will be a key indicator of whether they can translate summer optimism into tangible results. Alexia Putellas’ arrival has already generated unprecedented interest, with London City selling out their Bromley stadium for the first time as fans clamour to witness her debut. Her global profile is likely to attract major sponsors and raise the league’s commercial appeal. Putellas, a four‑time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and World Cup champion, has already made an impact in training with her relentless drive for success.
On the pitch, she hopes to showcase her world‑class talent week after week, a prospect that excites both teammates and supporters alike. No player in the WSL has yet captured the Ballon d'Or, and Putellas is determined to use her performances with London City to break that drought. The upcoming match between London City and Manchester United, broadcast live on Sky Sports Football at 6 p.m.
(kick‑off at 8 p.m.) on Friday, will be a prime opportunity to gauge the immediate effect of her signing. Fans can follow the action across Sky Sports’ digital platforms, catch in‑game clips, and enjoy free highlights shortly after full‑time. In summary, the summer transfer window has reshaped the WSL landscape dramatically. Arsenal appear to be the biggest winners, having assembled a squad that could finally lift the title after a four‑year wait.
London City have made a statement with record‑breaking signings that could turn them into genuine contenders. Manchester City retain a core of talent but must navigate injuries and prove their summer moves were enough. Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham and Tottenham have all added depth and experience, but their ultimate success will depend on how quickly new players gel and adapt to the rigors of the season. The stage is set, the signings are in place, and the race for the 2024‑25 WSL crown promises to be more thrilling than ever.