WSL Transfer Window Verdict: A Club-by-Club Assessment
The January transfer window has slammed shut in the Women's Super League, leaving clubs to reflect on a month of frantic activity, strategic planning, and occasional disappointment. While some teams made significant moves to bolster their squads for the title race or survival battle, others opted for a quieter approach, focusing instead on long-term rebuilding projects set for the summer. This analysis provides a detailed verdict on how every WSL club fared in the market.
Arsenal: Planning for a Major Summer Overhaul
With numerous senior players' contracts expiring in June, Arsenal's primary focus was on preparing for an anticipated major squad rebuild in the summer. Consequently, their quiet January window came as no surprise. The Gunners will, however, be relatively pleased with their limited business. They secured a star of the future in right-back Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby and addressed their need for a backup goalkeeper with the deadline-day loan signing of Barbora Votíkova from Slavia Prague.
More significantly, the club is understood to have made positive progress in attempts to sign Georgia Stanway on a free transfer at the end of the season. Big decisions, such as not seeking to extend Katie McCabe's stay, signal a clear intent to refresh the team in the coming months.
Aston Villa: A Major Move for Jean-François
Aston Villa made a significant statement by signing midfielder Oriane Jean-François from Chelsea for a fee reportedly as high as £450,000. Despite results not going their way in 2026, Villa can be satisfied with their acquisitions. They also brought in defender Jenna Nighswonger on loan from Arsenal. The United States international arrived in England with a terrific reputation, and if Villa can help her settle in the WSL, it could prove a clever move. The sale of winger Katie Robinson to Bristol City also recouped some valuable funds.
Brighton: Holding Firm on Fran Kirby
The main talking point of Brighton's window centred on a player who did not leave: Fran Kirby. The former England forward was strongly linked with Juventus, with sources indicating the 32-year-old would have welcomed a chance to play Champions League football again. However, Brighton deemed Kirby not for sale due to her importance to the team. The acquisition of midfielder Olaug Tvedten from Vålerenga should add a goalscoring threat. The transfer news was, however, put into perspective by the tragic death of the club's head of women's and girls' coaching, Rado Vidošić, which deeply affected everyone at the club.
Chelsea: A Rare Disappointment in the Market
Chelsea, frequently declared "winners" of transfer windows over the past decade, experienced a rare disappointment this January. The club did not sign a single player, despite attempts to secure Jennifer Echegini from Paris Saint-Germain. This lack of activity is partly attributed to a focus on summer plans, with significant incomings and outgoings expected. However, it will frustrate fans that the squad was not strengthened amid poor form, especially after manager Sonia Bompastor questioned the team's depth. The rejection of their bid for Echegini and Villa's signing of Jean-François also led Chelsea to block a proposed loan move for Lexi Potter to Leicester.
Everton: Late Deal for Kramzar
Everton worked late into deadline night to complete the loan signing of Slovenia midfielder Zara Kramzar from Roma, with an obligation to buy this summer. This deal provided some relief after an otherwise quiet window. The arrivals of Hannah Blundell and Laila Harbert on loan from Manchester United and Arsenal respectively will help strengthen the squad. Everton stood firm regarding Kelly Gago, insisting they would only sell if her release clause was met, meaning the want-away France forward remains. The window concluded with the sacking of head coach Brian Sørensen on Wednesday.
Leicester: Adding Vital Experience
With the lowest average age for a starting WSL XI this season, Leicester's main aim was to add experience. They achieved this by signing Ashleigh Neville, Rachel Williams, Alisha Lehmann, and Emma Jansson, and loaning Sarah Mayling from Aston Villa. These five players have an average age of 31, and Leicester hope their maturity can aid the fight to stay clear of the relegation playoff spot. The downside was losing former captain Janice Cayman to PSV, though this move was motivated by a desire to be nearer home and was done with the club's blessing.
Liverpool: A Window of Major Improvement
This was Liverpool's best transfer window in recent memory, going a long way to making amends for last summer's poor business and mitigating a lengthy injury list. As the WSL's bottom club, in danger of losing their top-flight status, several quality additions were crucial. The signing of Sweden goalkeeper Jennifer Falk is a world-class coup. At the other end, the arrivals of Martha Thomas and Anna Jøsendal should broaden the goal threat of the league's second-lowest scorers, with Alice Bergström already off the mark with a goal.
London City Lionesses: Securing a Major Coup
The best bargain of the WSL window was surely London City's signing of France winger Delphine Cascarino on a free transfer from San Diego Wave. The 28-year-old, a star of Euro 2025, would ordinarily be expected to join a Champions League contender, making her arrival a major coup for the WSL newcomers. They also completed a deadline-day move for Danish midfielder Malou Marcetto from Madrid CFF. Several players left on loan, including young striker Lotta Lindström, who scored a hat-trick for Birmingham in WSL2.
Manchester City: The Marquee Signing of Sam Coffey
The league leaders completed the marquee signing of the window by bringing US midfielder Sam Coffey to England from Portland Thorns. The women's game was shocked when advanced talks were revealed, showcasing City's financial muscle as they race towards the league title. Very little else happened for Andrée Jeglertz's side, but with things going so smoothly, fans will likely feel it was unnecessary. The club knows defensive depth must be bolstered in the summer to challenge for the European title.
Manchester United: An Impressive and Early Window
Manchester United enjoyed a highly impressive window, completing business early and bringing in high-calibre players in positions where strengthening was clearly needed. The signing of Germany striker Lea Schüller from Bayern Munich elevates the forward line, and she appears to have settled quickly. The acquisition of 21-year-old Ellen Wangerheim is seen as a player who will develop significantly, adding depth as the club juggles European and domestic commitments.
Tottenham: Acting Swiftly and Seriously
Spurs acted swiftly to complete their business, and the rest of the division is taking Martin Ho's side seriously after they moved to within two points of second place. Securing the signature of Signe Gaupset, who had attracted interest from several Champions League clubs, was a particular delight. Their Scandinavian market focus was evident with signings like Hanna Wijk, Matilda Nildén, and Julie Blakstad. The loan addition of Maika Hamano from Chelsea is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. The exit of fan favourite Ashleigh Neville to Leicester was tough for supporters but part of evolving the team's age profile.
West Ham: A Decent if Unspectacular Window
West Ham had a decent, if unspectacular, window, raising eyebrows with the signing of Norway defender Tuva Hansen from Bayern Munich. The 28-year-old is highly regarded across the Bundesliga. They also recouped significant funds with the club-record sale of Anouk Denton to Bay FC for about £200,000. Holding on to top scorer Shekiera Martinez was positive, but whether they have done enough to stave off relegation remains to be seen, especially given Liverpool's impressive business.
The window has set the stage for a compelling second half of the WSL season, with new signings poised to make an immediate impact on the title race, European qualification, and the battle against relegation.
