Arsenal are gearing up for a bid to capture their first Women's Super League crown since 2019, having bolstered their roster with eight fresh signings. Meanwhile, London City Lionesses have splashed the cash this summer, snapping up Alexia Putellas—touted as the most high‑profile acquisition in the league’s history—and other marquee names, setting the stage for a surprising title challenge. Manchester City have managed to retain FWA Women's Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw, but the question remains: have the defending champions done enough in the market to safeguard their dominance? Chelsea and Manchester United also enter the new campaign with lingering doubts about whether their summer business has equipped them to contend for the top spot, whereas West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed more eye‑catching recruitment drives.
As the WSL transfer window finally slams shut, we take a closer look at the summer's biggest winners and losers, with the new season kicking off on Friday night when London City host Manchester United on Sky Sports. Sky Sports' Anton Toloui remarked, "If Arsenal or London City aren’t the clear beneficiaries of this window, their scouting departments need a serious chat." Arsenal’s eighth new addition, Elisa De Almeida, joins a group of players who are entering what many consider the peak years of their careers. The Gunners have placed high expectations on Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Geraldine Reuteler and several others as they chase that elusive 2019‑era title.
On the other side, London City cannot afford another sixth‑place finish after pouring resources into a star‑laden recruitment campaign. According to Toloui, Arsenal are "ecstatic" about their transfer activity, believing they now possess a squad capable of taking on any opponent. The arrivals of Stanway, Batlle, Misa Rodriguez, Selina Cerci and De Almeida are expected to lift the team’s standards, while veteran midfielder Renee Slegers has already expressed delight at the early impact of the new signings at the club’s London Colney base.
Young talents Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang are also slated to return before year‑end, adding depth and optimism for the future. London City’s summer spending is set to pay dividends, having secured the favourite for this year’s Ballon d'Or, Alexia Putellas, Champions League‑winning centre‑back Mapi Leon and former world‑best goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Regardless of age, these players bring both quality and character, turning the Lionesses into genuine contenders. Some pundits view them as title hopefuls, others see them as top‑three candidates, while a few warn of potential disappointment.
The intrigue lies in how these pieces gel on the pitch. 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 London City. She added that the experience of players like Putellas will undoubtedly keep the team in the upper echelons of the table. Manchester City, however, have stumbled out of the gate, plagued by injuries to key figures such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton and Sydney Lohmann.
To compensate, they added Joe Echegini and late‑window signing Carlotta Wamser. The arrivals of Beth Mead and Niamh Charles broaden the squad’s experience pool, yet with Champions League football looming, doubts linger over whether the summer’s activity has been sufficient. Jill Scott remains confident in City’s title credentials, citing the retention of Bunny Shaw as a major factor.
Shaw’s prolific scoring record, bolstered by the addition of Beth Mead, 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. The real test will be how United integrate these signings while navigating Ella Toone’s final contract year. Chelsea entered the market with high expectations but fell short of a blockbuster overhaul. They missed out on Bunny Shaw, who chose to stay at City, and a potential world‑record fee for Swedish striker Felicity Schroder, who ultimately moved to Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, the Blues secured Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, injecting experience and dynamism, and placed faith in promising youngsters Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo, hoping they exceed expectations. Spurs have also impressed with their acquisitions: Caitlin Dijkstra arrives with UEFA Women’s Champions League experience, Kirsty Hanson enjoyed a stellar season at Aston Villa, Shekiera Martinez promises additional goal‑scoring firepower, and Alice Sombath joins as a European champion from Lyon.
Their target appears to be a top‑four finish. West Ham’s summer has been equally encouraging.
Striker Kelly Gago, previously underutilised at Everton, could ignite East London with her pace, while Ebony Salmon seeks to fulfil early promise at her new club. Defender Laia Codina brings a World Cup winner’s medal to the squad, offering leadership and experience. Their early test will be a trip to Tottenham in the opening week. Putellas’ arrival has already generated unprecedented excitement.
London City’s Bromley stadium sold out for the first time, with fans eager to witness her debut. Her global profile is expected to attract major brands to the WSL, enhancing the league’s commercial appeal. As a four‑time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and World Cup champion, Putellas brings a winning mentality that has already influenced training sessions. She is determined to showcase her world‑class talent week after week, hoping to finally break the Ballon d'Or drought for a WSL player.
The season opener – London City versus Manchester United – will be broadcast live on Sky Sports at 6 p.m. (kick‑off at 8 p.m.) and streamed across Sky Sports’ digital platforms, with highlights available shortly after full‑time.
Fans can also enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, entry being free of charge.