Arsenal are poised 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, most notably securing Alexia Putellas – billed as the most high‑profile acquisition in the league’s history – and are now being tipped as surprise contenders for the title.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have retained the services of FWA Women's Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw. The question that looms over the defending champions is whether their summer dealings are sufficient to keep the trophy on the shelf for another season.
Chelsea and Manchester United head into the new campaign with lingering doubts about the depth of their squads. Both clubs have made moves, but pundits wonder if they have added enough quality to mount a serious title challenge. In contrast, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed eye‑catching transfer windows that could see them push higher up the table than they have in recent years. With the WSL transfer window now officially closed, we take a closer look at the teams that have benefited most from the summer market and those that may have missed the boat.
The new season kicks off on Friday night when London City host Manchester United live on Sky Sports. Sky Sports analyst Anton Toloui summed it up succinctly: "If the biggest improvement this window isn’t coming from Arsenal or London City, their recruitment departments need to have a serious chat." Arsenal’s eighth signing, Elisa De Almeida, joins a group of players who are entering what many consider the peak years of their careers.
The Gunners have also added Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Geraldine Reuteler and several other talents, all expected to lift the side’s performance levels and help break the 2019 title drought. London City Lionesses, on the other hand, cannot afford another sixth‑place finish after a summer of headline‑grabbing signings. The club’s ambition is clear: they want to translate big‑money purchases into tangible results on the pitch.
The arrival of Alexia Putellas, a Ballon d'Or favourite, alongside Champions League‑winning centre‑back Mapi Leon and former world‑best goalkeeper Mary Earps, gives them a blend of experience, pedigree and star power that few teams can match. Former England international Jill Scott highlighted the importance of a top‑class goalkeeper, noting that Mary Earps’ return to the WSL will be a massive boost for the Lionesses. She added that the presence of Putellas, who has already won multiple UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, will undoubtedly push the team into the upper echelons of the league. Manchester City have hit a few early setbacks, dealing with injuries to key players such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton and Sydney Lohmann.
To offset these absences, City brought in Joe Echegini and secured Carlotta Wamser towards the end of the window. They have also added Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, bolstering their experience pool. However, with the Champions League looming, critics are questioning whether the summer’s activity has been enough to keep the club at the summit of English women’s football. Jill Scott remains confident in City’s title credentials, citing the retention of Bunny Shaw as a crucial factor.
Shaw’s impressive goal‑scoring record, combined with the firepower of Beth Mead, means City still look like front‑runners despite the injury list. Manchester United have undergone a cultural shift, appointing Eva Olid as head coach and signalling a new direction for the club. 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. Bah adds pace and flair, while Bernal offers grit and experience.
United’s future will hinge on how quickly these newcomers adapt and whether star forward Ella Toone, now in the final year of her contract, can continue to deliver. Chelsea entered the window with expectations of a major overhaul, yet many of their marquee targets chose other destinations. The club did manage to retain a league‑leading contract offer for Bunny Shaw, which ultimately fell through when Shaw re‑signed with City. They also made a near‑record bid for Swedish striker Felicity Schroder, who opted for Real Madrid instead.
Nonetheless, Chelsea secured experienced internationals Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, and they have placed faith in young prospects Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo, hoping their impact will exceed expectations. Spurs have arguably been the most impressive summer shoppers. Caitlin Dijkstra brings UEFA Women’s Champions League experience, Kirsty Hanson returns after a standout season at Aston Villa, Shekiera Martinez adds goal‑scoring depth, and Alice Sombath arrives with a Champions League winner’s medal from Lyon.
Their recruitment suggests they are targeting at least a top‑four finish. West Ham United are equally pleased with their acquisitions.
Forward Kelly Gago, who struggled for minutes at Everton, could become a key attacking outlet for the East London side. Ebony Salmon looks to fulfill the promise she showed early in her career, while Laia Codina adds a World Cup‑winner’s medal to the dressing room. Their early test will come against Spurs in the opening week.
The arrival of Alexia Putellas has already generated unprecedented excitement. London City’s home ground in Bromley sold out for the first time, as fans clamoured to witness her debut.
Her global profile is expected to attract major sponsors and raise the league’s commercial appeal. Putellas, a four‑time Champions League winner and World Cup champion, has already made an impact in training, and she believes her world‑class talent will translate into consistent performances week after week.
No player in the WSL has yet won the Ballon d’Or, and Putellas hopes her form with London City will finally break that barrier. The Lionesses’ season will be closely watched, not only for on‑field results but also for the broader influence of such a high‑profile signing on the growth of women’s football in England.
Fans can catch the opening match – London City versus Manchester United – live on Sky Sports Football from 6 p.m., with kickoff at 8 p.m. The broadcast will also be available across Sky Sports’ digital platforms, with highlights and in‑game clips posted shortly after full‑time.