Tag: Women’s Sport

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Basketball

Key players to watch in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 

Photo taken from @usabasketball on instagram

The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup starts tomorrow as 16 teams aim for one title, World Champions. USA are reigning champions and there are many WNBA players featuring in this year’s competition: here are some players to watch. 

Australia: Jade Melbourne and Ezi Magbegor 

Melbourne and Magbegor both play for Seattle Storm in the WNBA where they currently sit bottom heading into the break after only winning eight games. Jade Melbourne plays as a guard and has spent three years in the top league after being drafted in 2022 becoming the 33rd pick, where she was picked up by Seattle Storm. This season, she is averaging 9.5 points per game, as well as 3.9 assists per game making her a player to watch for Australia from the WNBA. 

Ezi Magbegor was drafted in 2019, being the 12th pick and has six years experience in the WNBA. The forward-center player was a WNBA Champion in 2022, An All-Star in 2023 and in the All-defensive team four times. She has been with the Storm since her draft night and this season on average has 6.9 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game and 1.8 assists per game making her a player to keep your eye on during the World Cup. 

Games (all in BST times): 

Australia vs Puerto Rico – Friday 4th at 10:30am 

Turkey vs Australia – Sunday 6th at 10:30am 

Belgium vs Australia – Monday 7th at 10:30am 

France: 

Leila Lacan and Carla Leite are two of France’s upcoming talents with this only being their third year in the WNBA, where both was picked one after another in the 2024 draft. Leila Lacan plays her basketball at Connecticut Sun where the Guard was picked 10th overall. Her averages this season are making her a player to watch this campaign after playing for a team out of play off contention. Her stats of 11.6 points per game and 4.6 assists per game are making the youngster an upcoming talent for the WNBA. 

Carla Leite has had a standout season so far for the new franchise, Portland Fire. After coming into the WNBA, she started with Dallas Wings before transferring to Golden State Valkyries in the Expansion Draft where she also spent last season. With 15.5 points per game average, she is becoming a young player to watch especially for a French side that is coming off a silver medal in the Olympics. 

Games (all in BST times):

Hungary vs France – Friday 4th at 8pm 

France vs South Korea – Saturday 5th at 7:45pm 

Nigeria vs France – Monday 7th at 1:30pm 

Spain: 

Rookie Awa Fam just joined the Seattle Storm side this season and is already having an impact for the squad. Her charm and play is improving match by match and hopes it reflects in the National team for the tournament. The 20 year old was picked third in this year’s draft behind Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles and is a Eurobasket Silver Medalist for Spain. She also became the youngest player to play for Valencia Basket at just 15 years old. The Center’s statistics are also impressive with an average of 10.6 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game making her a young player to watch statistics wise. 

Games (all in BST times): 

Spain vs Germany – Friday 4th at 4:45pm 

Mali vs Spain – Saturday 5th at 10:30am 

Japan vs Spain – Monday 7th at 4:50pm 

USA: 

Paige Bueckers is definitely not underrated but always a player to watch when a new tournament comes around. She was the number one pick last season for the Dallas Wings with the Guard only in her sophomore season in the WNBA. She was a WNBA All-Star two years in a row and was the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2025. This season alone, she is averaging 20.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game and 5.9 assists per game which is making her a player to watch as she hopes to get USA back to back Champions despite it being her first major tournament under the USA name. 

Games (all in BST times):

USA vs China – Friday 4th at 1:15pm 

Italy vs USA – Sunday 6th at 7:45pm 

USA vs Czech Republic – Monday 7th at 7:45pm 

Categories
WSL

West Ham hope for improved season with nine new additions

Image via @westhamwomen on Instagram

As the transfer window draws to a close, it’s no secret that West Ham have had one of the busiest summers in England with nine signings and ten outgoings to date. Within this, they’ve secured the signatures of a strong mix of experience and youth, adding to the already stacked squad.

In January, the club saw five new additions  as well as a manger to their squad and it has since become clear that Rita Guarino joined the side with a mission: to win.

Their first purchase of the summer came in the form of Katie Zelem from London City Lionesses. She spent the second half of the 25/26 season on loan to the club and is a proven leader, having captained Manchester United for five years. With the recent departure of Katrina Gorry, there’s a high likelihood that she will pick up this role once more whilst Claret & Blue.

Next came Constance Picaud, a France international goal keeper with experience in both the Champions league and on the international stage. The keeper amassed 8 clean sheets in 22 games last season and with the recent departure of Kinga Szemik, it seems like a move well fitted for the 28 year old.

A seemingly surprising announcement was revealed next with Laia Codina switching North London for East. The defender won the world cup with Spain in 2023 and has three champions league titles to her name – two with Barcelona and one with Arsenal. With a lack of playing time last season, Codina will be looking to become a regular starter for the Hammers side.

Nadine Riesen quickly became the club’s fourth summer signing, joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. The Swiss international joins after three years in Germany, even playing in the Champions League during her tenure and is likely to be first choice at right back after the recent injury to Tuva Hansen.

The Hammers next couple of signings looked slightly different in Sienna Wareing and niamh Peacock. The duo joined from Manchester United and Arsenal’s academies, and despite not having huge amounts of senior footballing experience, they have a good understanding of the English playing style so their moves are likely to be seamless, both proving as good additions to the West Ham squad.

Ebony Salmon switched one type of Claret and Blue for another this summer, making the move from Aston Villa to West ham earlier this year. The forward struggled to find her form last season, often featuring for the Villains from the bench so will be hoping for more regular game time in order to improve her performances in the season ahead.

Estelle Cascarino was thought to be leaving West Ham after the conclusion of her loan this summer, however she recently signed a three year deal with the Hammers, keeping her at the club until 2029. The 29 year old plays primarily as a centre back and has prior league experience at Manchester United in 2023. Her time at Juventus didn’t quite go to plan with a lack of opportunities over the past couple of years and she joins former teammate, Lia Walti in returning to the WSL this summer.

The club’s most recent signing saw Kelly Gago join the club from Everton after just 18 months in the North West. The striker scored a total of ten goals in her time at the club, but after missing several matches last season, the striker will be looking to improve her tally this year.

West Ham had an influx of player departures this summer, including captain and vice-captain duo, Katrina Gorry and Shelina Zadorsky. With Gorry taking time out of football and Zadorsky moving back to her home country, Canada to play, the club will be looking to newer  arrivals to fill their shoes this season, a massive jump from seasons prior.

Other departures saw striker, Shakiera Martinez join Tottenham Hotspur, Vereana Hanshaw and Camila Saez move to clubs overseas and both Jessie Stapleton and Jess Ziu both join Leicester City. Emily Taylor Brown also moved to AFC Wimbledon and Soraya Walsh joined Aberdeen in the SWPL.

West Ham’s transfer window has been a huge jump from previous seasons, and whilst there is lots of change within the squad, they got their business done early, putting themselves in the best possible position for the season ahead. Newcomers have had a full season to gel with the team and transfers saw all the replacements needed, so it’ll be interesting to see how the club shape up in the upcoming season.

Categories
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.

 

Categories
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.  

Categories
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.