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WSL

Manchester City undergo more exits than entries for 2026/27

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Photo from @bethmead on Instagram

Manchester City have been flying under the radar with more players leaving than coming. Only two new signings will join the Sky Blues. Both being players who had large impacts against City while at their former clubs.

One retirement struck Man City, as Laura Coombs announced her retirement from football altogether. The 35-year-old has played for a wide range of clubs in England, having started her professional career in 2007 for Arsenal. Since then she has also played for Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Liverpool and finally Manchester City. A lasting impact was made throughout her career as a steady contributor in the midfield as she succeeded whenever she got called upon. Also playing for England, Coombs made appearances in two group stage matches during the 2023 World Cup, where England reaches the finals.

Four youngsters mark their exits from the club, each of which went on their own loans last season and look for more gametime and development as players.  Codie Thomas departs from her childhood club after spending over ten years at the club.  The move to Nottingham Forest will serve vital to her career, as the 19-year-old fullback struggled to compete against more experienced fullbacks such as Kerstin Casparij. Poppy Pritchard completed her move to Leicester City after a loans to Durham and Celtic last season. Pritchard has signed a three-year deal for the foxes.

Tara O’Hanlon also underwent two loans last season, spending the first half at Sunderland, and the latter half with teammate Pritchard at Celtic. O’Hanlon struggled to find her footing at Manchester City following a MCL tear, and a tear in her calf prior to the 2025/26 season. The young defender has joined Wolves having no senior appearances for Manchester City, hoping to have a more stable at Wolves. Lily Murphy has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan after making 22 appearances for City since signing her professional contract in 2024.

Goalkeepers have made their exits from the club, with Eve Annets, Katie Startup and Khiara Keating leaving. Khiara Keating’s exit hits hard as she leaves with the expiration of her contract. Keating became City’s first-choice goalkeeper in 2023-24 as she won the WSL Golden Glove, but then struggled to fight for gametime against Ayaka Yamashita. The 22-year-old has also starred for her country, often being called up by Wiegman for England.

Katie Startup made her way into Man City’s squad as an emergency loan in the 2023/24 season coming from Everton, before joining on a permanent basis. This transfer means that Startup will hopefully increase her gametime as she joins Birmingham City. The final move from between the posts is Eve Annets’ loan to the Scottish WPL side Hibernian. Despite being signed with City for two seasons, Annets has yet to make an appearance for the club, having had gone on loan each season she’s spent at the club.

A centre back exit is from Naomi Layzell who has joined Everton on a season long loan, last season Layzell struggled to establish herself as a starting centre-back, having to face Knaack and Greenwood for the position. Consistent injury struggles also shortened her season with a hip surgery in December of 2025. Joining this exit is Spaniard Leila Ouahabi who has been a trusted player for Jergletz’ defence. With the conclusion of her contract, Ouahabi moves to the NWSL as she penned a three-year deal with Chicago Stars. The left-back spent four years at Manchester City and so, established herself as a regular starter for the club.

Undoubtably the name that has made the most headlines this transfer window is Kerolin Nicoli, who has left Manchester City for FC Barcelona with a record breaking fee of £1.28m, removing Arsenal’s fee for Olivia Smith from the top spot. Kerolin signed for City in January 2025 from the NWSL. Scoring 9 goals in 15 matches, Kerolin’s transfer will be noticed.

Two new signings both hail from London, with Beth Mead from Arsenal joining the frontline, and Chelsea’s Niamh Charles reinforcing the backline. Widely regarded as one of England’s best forwards, Mead pens a three-year deal, inevitably planning to make her mark on her new club. Mead’s perseverance and consistency has made her a country favourite, making her mark in Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-ups helping the Lionesses to European Championship triumph in 2022 and 2025.

Chelsea’s Niamh Charles has also has high levels of success with England internationally. Having won the WSL with Chelsea 5 times, Charles’ experience and versatility will come strongly into play. Held back by ankle issues, Charles struggled with game time last season, however her abilities do not only rely on defending as she scored a vital penalty in the 2025 Euros final, bringing the victory to England.

 

Overall, Manchester City are expected to make remaining signings, to cover for losses between the posts, as they currently have Cummings and Yamashita in the position.

 

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WSL

London City Lionesses level up.

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Photo from @alexiaputellas and @londoncitylionesses on Instagram. 

London City Lionesses have not been shying away from this transfer window as owner Michelle Kang has not been afraid of bold moves across the field.  Headlines ranging from Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas to Mary Earps reinforcing consistency in front of the goal, the Lionesses’ new team have become a force to be reckoned with in the WSL. 

Starting at the back of the pitch, former England goalkeeper Mary Earps returns to the WSL after two seasons away at PSG. Joining Elene Lete by the goalposts, Earps brings with her a wide range of experience and solidity having played in the WSL at Manchester United from 2019-2024. Consistency has always been at the forefront of the 33-year old’s game as Earps played a key role in England’s 2022 Euros win. She will be taking the place of 23-year-old Emily Orman who has gone on a loan to newly promoted WSL 2 side Wolves. This was a promising move for the young keeper as she won the golden glove during the 2024/25 season with London City. Orman’s loan will serve vital for her development as a player, and she will inevitably be a safe wall for Wolves. 

As four defenders left, two more joined. Maria León comes from Liga F where she has won title after title with FC Barcelona including 4 Champions League titles as Mapi was the heart of Barcelona’s defence being a reliable name in every line-up. Joining her is Utah Royals’ Janni Thomsen. The 26-year-old from Denmark is a versatile player who is open to playing wherever she is needed, often covering the right-back role, and even central midfield. Thomsen’s signing will not only add security between the positions but will also provide a strong player for years to come having also played for Vålerenga in Norway bringing in a multi-league understanding. 

The departures from defence come from Wassa Sangaré, Cerys Brown, Maddi Wilde and Teyah Goldie. Sangaré’s contract ended after her loan spell from OL Lyonnes as she made 22 appearances in the 2025/26 season. Youngster Cerys Brown joined Nottingham Forest on a two-year deal after a successful loan spell in the second half of last season, where she played every match available. Brown developed in Chelsea’s academy and now will work with Forest on their return to BWSL2.  

Maddi Wilde is yet another name we are seeing leave as she has penned a deal with Burnley as they are undergoing a large squad re-vamp having 13 players leave, and 10 take their place. Wilde has undergone two BWSL2 wins and promotions to the WSL, once with Bristol City in 2022/23 and then with London City Lionesses in 2024/25. The final defender to leave is for now only temporary, as Teyah Goldie has joined Crystal Palace on loan, who have just rejoined the WSL after a season in BWSL2. Goldie has not only played for club, but also her country, as the 22-year-old is a regular at England’s Under-23 camps.  

Alexia Putellas’ name is consistently in headlines, being a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and widely regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. The new headlines revolve around Alexia’s exit from FC Barcelona where she has played for the majority of her professional career. Having only ever played in Spain, Alexia will face a new challenge of making history at yet another club. This signing will also bring security to the pitch as she has also played with defenders Jana Fernández and Mapi León. 

Another midfield signing is fellow Spaniard Daniela Arques, who has joined the squad from Portugal’s Sporting. Arques is a dynamic midfielder who has been known for her creativity as she has also represented Spain internationally at youth levels, being only 20, Arques’ signing is a great investment for London City. 

Leaving this midfield, Julia Roddar exits the club following the end of her contract after having played her part in 20 out of 22 games last season, as she also helped LCL get promoted to the league in 2024. Roddar now joins the Italian side Lazio. Katie Zelem remains in the WSL as she was sold to West Ham United. The former Manchester United captain has been a symbol of leadership across every team she’s been in, however with Putellas’ signing, the move to West Ham was likely for the best to get the most game time possible. 

Two exits and three entries were made in the attacking field, with Lotta Lindström from Finland struggling to make her mark in London, with a dreaded ACL tear at the beginning of the 2024/25 season. Lindström then struggled with her return, eventually joining Birmingham City for the latter half of the 2025/26 season, and decided to join Bristol City on a permanent transfer. Paula Partido has landed a loan deal with Charlton Athletic, after spending the first half of last season on a loan at Spain’s DUX Logroño, later returning to support London City in any way she could. Partido’s loan is only temporary for now, and if she shines at Charlton, she may manage to solidify her place in London City. 

Photo taken from @londoncitylionesses on Instagram

Joining the team come Kadidiatou Diani, Rosa Kafaji and Nicole Anyomi. Diani is renowned for her pace and attacking strength as she is a French national team regular, moving from Lyon with 20 goals in 29 appearances under her belt. Diani has been seen as a symbol of LCL owner Michelle Kang’s wealth as the club paid over £500,000 for the forward. Alongside her, Kafaji penned a three-year deal from Arsenal following her season-long loan at Brighton and Hove Albion. Kafaji attacks from anywhere on the front line as the Swede is a hopeful young player.  

Finally, Nicole Anyomi arrives from Germany, having played at Eintracht Frankfurt for five years. Anyomi’s signing shows London City’s attacking ambitions, she has expressed her desire for a fresh challenge in a dynamic league with a wide range of competition. 

 London City Lionesses will begin their WSL campaign at home against Manchester United. This inaugural match will set the tone for the rest of their season, with the public waiting to see the exciting debuts of each new signing.  

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WSL

Everton bolster their squad during the summer transfer window ahead of the 2026/27 season 

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photo taken from @evertonwomen on instragram

Everton have had a busy transfer window with people leaving, joining and retiring from football. Scott Phelan joined as a Permanent Head Coach after his interim role last campaign with Lucy Hope announcing that she was retiring from professional football at the end of last season. 

Five players triggered new deals with the club including two permanent deals for Zara Kramzar and Hannah Blundell, with both being on loan last season. Megan Finnigan penned a new deal until next year which puts a stay of 20 years with the toffees, with Aurora Galli adding a one year contract extension to her deal. After her ACL injury in January, Danish Forward Karen Holmgaard also added an extra year to her deal for this season. Out of all of these returnees, Zara Kramzar made a lasting first impression for the side with many of the others having injuries throughout last season. 

6 players were out of contract come the end of the season with all players now having a new club. Katja Snoeijs joined Ajax after four years with the blues, but after injuries and a lack of game time for the striker, she left for more opportunities in her home country. Goalkeeper Emily Ramsey left the toffees after three years permanently and a loan deal, joining fellow WSL side Aston Villa. Her experience for the competition makes her the only player that the team will face in the WSL, with others going in different leagues and abroad (out of the ones that were out of contract). Inter Milan signed Toni Payne after her two years with the club. The Nigerian international joined Everton from Sevilla with the attacking player a person to miss on the team. 

Youngster Kenzie Weir left after her contract ended and joined WSL2 side, Ipswich Town. After multiple loan moves away, nothing clicked in the blue kit for Weir but hoped to get gametime and be a pivotal player for Ipswich, after being on loan there last season. Melissa Lawley has joined WSL2 outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers and her contract ended this summer. She joined the blues in 2024 after five years with rivals, Liverpool but last season was on loan at Burnley in the FA Women’s National League. Finally, Elise Stenevik joined FC Köln after her contract wasn’t extended following a four year stay with the club. The Norwegian left back will also look for more game time ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup. 

Three players have also left the club despite still having years left on their contract but most of them wanted more game time. Kelly Gago left the north west to join London and WSL side West Ham United. The forward left after 18 months with the side and left a hole in the squad but was quickly replaced. Martina Fernandez rejoined Barcelona after being with the toffees since January 2025. The Liga F side triggered a buy back clause in the defender’s contract and after many players leaving, she hopes for gametime at her old club. Ines Pereira joined Deportivo La Coruna after two consecutive loan deals to the same club with the Goalkeeper only gaining experience, and hopes to be with Portugal in the Women’s World Cup next year. 

photo taken from @evertonwomen on instagram

Everton also made signings with six players signing deals and one player coming in on loan. Naomi Layzell signed a season long loan from WSL champions, Manchester City with the centre back only making three appearances last season due to injuries and hopes to get back on track. Youngster Hannah Silcock joined the blues from rivals Liverpool after 12 years with the club. After signings coming in, she fell out of favour and wants to gain more experience in the league for a big club. Goalkeeper, Rylee Foster-Imman joined the side from Canadian team, Halifax Tides but fans are already familiar with Foster and her four month spell between September 2024 – January 2025. She was with Liverpool in 2020 as the reds gave her a chance to play football again and after Emily Ramsey left the side she hopes to get game time. 

Everton signed three players from Leicester City during the transfer window including one player who returns to the club after six years away. Noemie Mouchon was the first signing of the window with the forward joining after the expiry of her contract in the midlands. Hannah Cain returns to Everton on a free transfer after the Welsh International spent six years away from the north west club. Jutta Rantala was the last player to join from Leicester City after triggering a release clause in the contract with the Finnish forward spending three seasons at the club. All three will leave a goal-scoring hole in the Leicester side but due to International experience, they would want to stay in a highly competitive league to have a chance in the squad for the next world cup. Australian forward Holly McNamara joined from Melbourne City in the A-League and will wear the number nine in the blue shirt of Everton. During her time in Melbourne, she won two golden boot awards and hopes to bring her scoring expertise to England and the Women’s Super League.  

Everton start their campaign in the WSL travelling to Crystal Palace on 6th September before hosting newly promoted Charlton the week later. A Merseyside derby is on the cards in the first five games of the season as they travel to Liverpool on the 27th September. 

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WSL

Chelsea’s squad rebuild ahead of the 2026/27 season:

Image from: Chelsea Website

Chelsea have had a very busy transfer window, with big name signings along with significant departures. The club has gone through significant changes ahead of the new season, and this article will explain everything that needs to be known before the season starts in September. 

Incomings:

One of Chelsea’s most notable signings this transfer window is Katie McCabe. McCabe officially joined The Blues in July on a free transfer after her contract with Arsenal expired. The left-back is signed until 2029 with an option for an additional year, and looks to make an instant impact for Chelsea. With 305 appearances for Arsenal, McCabe brings a wealth of WSL experience and leadership skills to the team, as well as an extra attacking threat due to her ability to play higher up the pitch and in midfield. 

Another key signing for Chelsea is Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage. The midfielder is signed on a five year deal, and is considered as one of the most talented young players in women’s football. She was named NWSL Midfielder of the Year last season, and also became the youngest player in NWSL history to score a hattrick when she scored three goals against Bay FC in October. With her precise passing and skilful dribbling, Matsukubo is a dangerous threat, especially as she can play as an attacking midfielder or a central striker.

Another attacking signing is Melvine Malard who Chelsea signed on a four-year contract from Manchester United. She’s one of the most dangerous forwards in the WSL, with 21 goal contributions in only 57 appearances during her time at Manchester United. As well as WSL experience, she also brings Champions League experience to The Blues, and has scored 17 goals in 46 UWCL appearances, something crucial if Chelsea want to win the competition for the first time.

Chelsea have also signed some young players over the transfer window, starting with Nelly Las. Las was signed from Leicester City on a four year contract, and is an attacking full-back who can play on either side. The youngster is an England Under-20 international and made her senior debut for Leicester City in 2024 at the age of 16. Due to her age, this signing is smart squad building from Chelsea as she holds a lot of potential.

The final signing is Giulia Dragoni who The Blues signed from Barcelona. Dragoni has a four year contract with Chelsea, and is a young and technically gifted midfielder. One of her strengths is winning one v one situations, as well as contributing goals and assists. Similar to Las, Dragoni has a lot of room to develop and potentially become an important part of the Chelsea squad, especially considering she was named Serie A’s Midfielder of the Season in the 2025/26 season, when she was on loan at Roma. 

Outgoings:

Even though Chelsea have made some big signings this window, they’ve also lost a lot of significant players. One of their biggest losses was Millie Bright. Chelsea’s captain retired at the end of last season as their longest serving player, following 12 years at the club. This departure will have a huge impact on the club, not just because of the loss of her playing skills, but also the loss of her leadership. Despite having other defenders and central defenders to fill her position, it will be hard to find a Chelsea player that could fill the hole of Millie Bright’s presence. Due to their summer signings, this year and previous, this departure could impact squad mentality and morale more than the squad depth. 

Another significant departure is the club’s top scorer, Sam Kerr. The Australian striker left Chelsea upon the expiration of her contract to join Gotham FC in the NWSL, where some former Chelsea players also play. With 116 goals during her time at Chelsea, with 65 of those in the WSL, her skills will be greatly missed at Chelsea. The club have brought in Malard to help fill the gap, along with Beever-Jones and Ramirez who have been at the club for a few seasons now, however none offer a direct replacement for Kerr’s goalscoring record. 

Chelsea have also lost Guro Reiten to Gotham FC, who left in March to pursue a new challenge in her career.  Having spent six and a half seasons with Chelsea, Reiten made her mark on the club, and her skills will be missed at Chelsea due to her versatility and chance creation. This departure will have a big impact on the club due to losing not just a very skilled player, but also a big personality in the locker room. 

Another winger that the club have lost is Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd. The Swede left Chelsea for a permanent transfer to Lyon after 4 seasons at The Blues. She made 139 appearances and has left her mark on the eight-time WSL champions, and Chelsea will miss her ability to stretch defences with her pace and one v one ability.

In defence, Niamh Charles has also left the club after 178 appearances to join reigning WSL champions, Manchester City on a permanent transfer for three years. This departure will be covered by the arrival of McCabe, although she isn’t necessarily a like-for-like replacement, so while the loss of such an experienced player will have a big impact on the club, it’s manageable. 

Other departures that are worth noting are Julia Bartel, Lois Shooter and Brooke Aspin. Bartel has left Chelsea to join Juventus on a permanent transfer, after joining Chelsea in 2024. She was never able to establish herself as a regular first team player, so won’t drastically affect Chelsea’s starting eleven, but it does mean the club has lost a young midfielder with high potential. Shooter, who is signed to Chelsea until 2028, has joined Nottingham Forest on a season long loan to allow her to develop her skills and gain more game time. This transfer is a positive one for the club and player as it will allow Shooter to develop further as a player and play more games. Aspin has joined Bristol City on a permanent transfer and never made a senior appearance during her time at Chelsea. She represented England at the Under-19 Euros, but suffered an ACL injury while with the England Under-23s in November 2024. She’s previously spent a loan spell at Bristol City, and will now stay there permanently after impressing. The loss of these three players is manageable, with a lower impact on the club than other departures, but the club is losing some young players with potential.

Overall judgement of the window:

Chelsea have had some impressive recruitment, with some big names joining the squad, however they’ve also had a lot of departures that will be hard to replace. Their signings have a mixture of experience and skill which have refreshed the squad, but the new signings haven’t completely replaced the creativity and leadership that’s been lost. Overall, this transfer window has been successful, but with reservations. 

What else the club may need:

Due to the loss of Kerr, Chelsea could do with signing another world class striker that can directly fill the hole she’s left. As well as this, the club may need to sign another winger following the departure of two experienced and talented wingers in Kaneryd and Reiten. Finally, the squad needs a player or two to step up and replace the leadership that was lost when Bright retired. 

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The Addicks’ WSL Rebuild: Karen Hills’ Summer of Change

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By Millie Winslett

Image via @elliemason16 on Instagram

Charlton Athletic are preparing for their first season back in the top flight of women’s football since the club’s collapse and following relegation in 2007. Head Coach Karen Hills led her team to Women’s Super League promotion after beating Leicester City on penalties in the league’s historic first play-off game.

Hills’ team is one of three newly promoted sides alongside Birmingham City and Crystal Palace and looks to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with after coming agonisingly close to promotion previously, finishing third, second and fourth in three consecutive seasons in the WSL2.

The Addicks have made numerous changes to their squad as they prepare for their opening fixture against Liverpool on September 6th. Charlton Athletic announced six departures from their promotion-winning side following the expiration of their contracts. Departures saw defender Gracie Pearse sign for Sheffield United after two and half years, midfielder Emma Bissell sign for Bristol City and the midfielder Frankie Finlayson, who established herself in the senior squad after playing PGA, leaves with no confirmed club. Karin Muya has joined Watford after three years, and experienced midfielder Katie Bradley, who scored 13 goals across her two-year spell at the club, has penned a deal with Newcastle United. Finally, Amalie Thestrup has signed for Danish side Brøndby, leaving a significant loss on Charlton’s attack and young midfielder Keira Flannery has returned to parent club West Ham after a season-long loan.

Despite these outgoings changing how Hills’s team will line up this season, there is still familiarity surrounding the team, with the club extending the contracts of multiple players who were part of the promotion-winning squad. Goalkeeper Anna Pederson has extended her contract for one year alongside defenders Ellie Mason, Lucia Lobato, Gloria Siber, Elisha N’Dow and Charlotte Newsham. Carla Humphrey has extended her contract for one year after her maternity leave, with fellow midfielder Lucy Fitzgerald and forward Gillian Kenney also set to stay at the club until 2027. 

After securing their retained list of players, the Addicks kicked off their transfer window with loan signing Paula Partido. The 21-year-old Spaniard is joining Hills’ squad from London City Lionesses on a season-long loan. Partido signed for London City in August 2025, from Real Madrid, ahead of their first season in the WSL. However, she kicked off the 2025/26 season on loan to Spanish team Logroño United where she made 16 appearances with one goal and one assist before being recalled to her parent club in the January transfer window. Taking on the number seven, Partido is a versatile player who can play both in midfield and as a forward, providing a talented attacking option for the Addicks. 

Hills added another young, versatile player in Grace Johnston. The defender, who is also comfortable in midfield, signed a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further year. Johnston played every minute of Perth Glory’s 2025/26 campaign, earning herself Perth’s 2026 Best Young Player.

Next came goalkeeper Anna Koivunen, who signed from Swedish side Djurgårdens. The Finnish international played in last year’s Women’s Euros in Switzerland, keeping a clean sheet in their opening game against Iceland. Koivunen will take the number 24; while she won’t be the first-choice goalkeeper, she will be an excellent option for cup games and a long-term solution in between the sticks.

Hills continued to strengthen her midfield by bringing in Leah Davidson on a two-year deal from Melbourne City. The midfielder made 80 appearances, winning the premiership three times, including the 2025/26 season. 

Then came another loan signee, Lorena Azzuro. Taking on the number nine for a season from Paris FC, Azzuro is an out-and-out striker who has scored 8 goals in 19 appearances since her signing with the club in August 2025. The young French forward will bring an exciting flair to the Addicks’ attack, but having only played in France, it may take time to adapt to the WSL.

Rounding up their transfer window are two players who are not shy of the competitive nature of the WSL. First came experienced full-back Ashleigh Neville. The new number 29 made 115 WSL appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, making her the first Spurs player to reach 100 appearances in the league. Her success for Spurs does not end there, with her playing a vital role as a historic finalist in the FA Cup final at Wembley back in 2024. In January 2026, Neville signed for Leicester City, making 13 appearances across all competitions. Neville will bring an insightful experience to Charlton, knowing both the nature of the league and its competitors well.

Complementing her comes Australian International Emily Van Egmond. The box-to-box midfielder, who can bring an attacking threat to the Addicks, signed from Leicester City on a one-year contract with an option to extend. Van Egmond has a plethora of experience in senior football, having played in the NWSL, Frauen-Bundesliga and both the WSL and WSL2. Having plenty of experience in the English league, Van Egmond made 21 appearances for West Ham and 15 starting appearances for Leicester City and is no stranger to fighting relegation. The midfielder made her senior debut for the Matildas in 2010, currently securing 33 goals and over 170 appearances. This experience both domestically and internationally will bring leadership in a particularly young side. 

Overall, Charlton Athletic have had a successful transfer window, Hills has added much-needed experience to her squad while retaining the youthful energy that secured promotion. The new arrivals have strengthened key areas across the pitch, particularly in attack following the departures of several players whose contracts expired, while also adding valuable leadership and experience to help guide the younger members of the squad.

However, questions remain over the consistency and continuity of the squad, with significant changes being made to the team that became victorious in the play-offs. This means Hills must integrate several new players and build effective chemistry within the squad in time for the WSL’s opening fixture. How quickly the new-look Charlton side can gel could prove crucial in how they return to the top flight.