Arsenal are gearing up to capture their first Women's Super League crown since 2019 after an aggressive recruitment drive that saw eight fresh faces added to the roster. Meanwhile, London City Lionesses have splashed the cash on a high‑profile summer, highlighted by the acquisition of Alexia Putellas – billed as the most significant signing in the league’s history – sparking talk of a surprise title bid. Manchester City managed to retain the services of 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 championship ambitions? Chelsea and Manchester United also enter the new campaign with lingering doubts about whether their summer business has equipped them to challenge for the top spot.
In contrast, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed eye‑catching transfer windows that could see them push higher up the table. As the WSL transfer window finally closes, 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 on Sky Sports.
**Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:** If the answer to “Who improved the most this window?” isn’t Arsenal or London City, those clubs need to have a serious word with their recruitment departments. Arsenal’s eighth new signing, Elisa De Almeida, joins a group of players who are entering what is traditionally considered the peak years of their careers. **Key Arsenal arrivals:** - Georgia Stanway – a proven goal‑scorer expected to add firepower.
- Ona Batlle – a creative midfielder who can unlock stubborn defences. - Geraldine Reuteler – a versatile forward with a knack for finding space. - Misa Rodríguez, Selina Cerci and other fresh faces are also expected to raise the team’s overall standard. Arsenal’s management believes they now possess a squad capable of taking on any opponent.
The club is also counting on the return of Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang later in the year, which should further brighten the team’s outlook. **London City Lionesses’ summer:** London City’s spending spree has been nothing short of headline‑making. They have secured the favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or, Alexia Putellas, a Champions League‑winning centre‑back in Mapi Leon, and a goalkeeper once hailed as the world’s best, Mary Earps. Regardless of age, each of these players brings a blend of quality and character that could transform the Lionesses into genuine title contenders.
Pundits are divided: some view London City as a top‑three threat, others see them as a potential disappointment, while a few simply label them as dark‑horse challengers. The real test will be how quickly the new signings gel and whether they can handle the pressure of a league that has never seen a team assemble such a star‑laden roster.
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 the Lionesses. She also praised the depth of experience within the squad, especially with Putellas leading the charge.
**Manchester City’s outlook:** City have started the pre‑season on a shaky note, grappling with injuries to key figures such as Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton and Sydney Lohmann. To mitigate these setbacks, they added Joe Echegini and late‑window signing Carlotta Wamser to the roster.
The club also secured Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, expanding their pool of seasoned talent. Former Lionesses star Jill Scott remains confident that City are still the favourites, largely because they have kept Bunny Shaw, whose goal‑scoring record speaks for itself.
The addition of Beth Mead, who can provide additional firepower, reinforces the belief that City will continue to be a dominant force. **Manchester United’s new direction:** United have undergone a philosophical shift under new head coach Eva Olid, who is tasked with ushering in a fresh generation of players.
The club invested roughly £700,000 in the final days of the window to bring in Swedish winger Monica Jusu Bah and defender Rebecca Bernal. Bah adds pace and excitement, while Bernal contributes experience and grit. The real question for United is how they will manage the final year of Ella Toone’s contract and whether the new signings can help bridge the gap to the league’s elite. **Chelsea’s summer moves:** Chelsea’s transfer activity may have fallen short of expectations.
They missed out on Bunny Shaw, who chose to stay at City, and a potential world‑record fee for Swedish striker Felicity Schröder, who opted for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the club secured Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard, both of whom bring valuable experience and dynamism. Young talents Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo are also on board, and could make a bigger impact than initially anticipated. **Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive haul:** Spurs have bolstered their squad with Caitlin Dijkstra, who brings UEFA Women’s Champions League experience, and Kirsty Hanson, who enjoyed a standout season at Aston Villa.
Shekiera Martinez adds goal‑scoring potential, while Alice Sombath arrives with a Champions League winner’s medal from Lyon. The club is targeting at least a fourth‑place finish. **West Ham United’s promising additions:** West Ham have added striker Kelly Gago, an exciting forward who struggled for minutes at Everton, and Ebony Salmon, a young talent eager to fulfil early promise. Laia Codina, a World Cup winner, brings a winning mentality to the dressing room.
Their early test will be a trip to Tottenham in the opening week. **The Putellas effect:** Alexia Putellas’ arrival has already generated unprecedented interest.
London City’s home ground in Bromley sold out for the first time, with fans eager to witness her debut. Her global profile is expected to attract major sponsors to both the club and the league, enhancing the commercial appeal of the WSL. Putellas, a four‑time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and World Cup champion, is renowned for her relentless drive for success.
She has already made an impact in training sessions, and she is confident that she can deliver world‑class performances week after week. No player in the WSL has yet claimed the Ballon d’Or, and Putellas hopes that her form with London City will finally break that drought.
**When the season kicks off:** The opening fixture – London City versus Manchester United – will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football at 6 pm on Friday, with kick‑off at 8 pm. Highlights and in‑game clips will be available across Sky Sports’ digital platforms shortly after full‑time. In summary, Arsenal appear to be the most jubilant about their transfer window, believing they have assembled a squad capable of ending their title drought.
London City Lionesses have made a bold statement with marquee signings that could reshape the league’s hierarchy. Manchester City, while retaining key talent, must navigate injury concerns. Chelsea, United, West Ham and Tottenham have all made moves that could see them improve, but only time will tell which clubs truly turned the summer into a success story.