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WSL transfer window 2024-25: which deals to look out for?

VaselineJune 23, 2024

0 3 minutes read

WSL transfer window 2024-25: which deals to look out for?

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Fran Kirby is a free agent after nine successful seasons at Chelsea

Author, Emma Smith
Role, BBC sports journalist
7 minutes ago

The Women’s Super League summer transfer window opens on Monday, June 24, but there is already some important stuff happening.

The window is open until September 13, by which time the 12 WSL clubs should have their permanent deals completed before the start of the season.

The 2024-2025 season starts on the weekend of September 21-22, with the title and European qualification on the line, plus the battle to avoid relegation.

Here’s a selection of the deals we already know – and what to look out for this summer…

What are the biggest moves so far?

In the days following the end of the 2023-2024 campaign, we have seen an exodus of some of the most recognizable names from the WSL.

England international Fran Kirby has left Chelsea following the expiry of her contract, following a nine-year spell with the Blues that included 114 league appearances, 63 league goals and eight league titles.

Two Lionesses have left Manchester City for clubs abroad, while full-back Esme Morgan is leaving for National Women’s Soccer League side Washington Spirit.

Another long-serving WSL goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, has left Chelsea for the United States and joined NWSL side Gotham.

The post-season period was also marked by big names boosting their clubs by signing new deals.

Kerr is out until 2025 due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but the five-time WSL champions have scored 99 goals in 128 games for Chelsea and are a fan favorite – even after teasing her departure in a bizarre video on social media before her new contract was confirmed.

Elsewhere, scores of experienced WSL campaigners are looking for new clubs after their contracts expire.

Emma Koivisto, Mel Lawley, Miri Taylor and Shanice van de Sanden are all free agents after leaving Liverpool, while Northern Ireland striker Simone Magill has left Aston Villa.

Seven first-team players left Tottenham at the end of the 2024/25 season, leaving manager Robert Vilahamn with a rebuilding job to do, while six left Leicester City.

Former England international Toni Duggan has left Everton, while midfielders Filippa Angeldahl and Ruby Mace are free agents after leaving Man City.

What things could happen this summer?

Arsenal have opted not to offer the WSL’s all-time record scorer a new contract, and it is unsurprising that the biggest clubs in women’s football are being linked with such a proven star.

The club have also been linked with a host of players as they bid to win a first WSL title since 2018/19.

England midfielder Keira Walsh has one year left on his contract at Barcelona, and a return to the WSL has been mooted, which the Gunners are reportedly keen on.

Real Madrid winger Hayley Raso – also out of contract – is another reported target to compete with international teammate Caitlin Foord at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall is also looking for a new goalkeeper, with Aston Villa number one Daphne van Domselaar linked.

Will Earps stay or go?

The most recognizable WSL goalkeeper without a contract this summer is England’s Mary Earps.

The Manchester United stopper is said to be in talks in May to extend her contract with the Red Devils, which expires this summer.

There has been no confirmation of an extension yet, meaning there is speculation about Earps’ future. Paris Saint-Germain is said to be interested.

Even after winning five WSL titles in a row, Chelsea refuse to stand still.

They are expected to make PSG striker Sandy Baltimore their first signing of the Bompastor era, while reports in Spain link them with a move to Ballon D’Or and World Cup-winning midfielder Aitana Bonmati.

The 26-year-old has 12 months left on his contract at Barcelona, and Chelsea would have to activate their release clause – reportedly for £2.5 million, which would break the world transfer record for women.

One player who could go the other way, from England to Catalonia, is Laia Aleixandri. The Manchester City full-back is reportedly a target as Barcelona prepare to move out of contract Lioness Lucy Bronze.

Another England international on the move is Katie Robinson. The striker has left Brighton and is tipped to move to the US.

Grace Clinton is the subject of transfer speculation after a successful loan spell at Tottenham last season. Spurs would like to bring her back, but parent club Manchester United probably wants the creative midfielder to stay.

One of the most intriguing summer transfer sagas could involve Aston Villa midfielder Alisha Lehmann.

The Switzerland international has been linked with Juventus as her boyfriend, Douglas Luiz, is rumored to be moving between the respective men’s clubs.

Player transfers aside, the WSL management merry-go-round is in full rotation.

Brighton, Leicester and Villa are all looking for new permanent managers.

Brighton and Leicester finished the season under interim coaches Mikey Harris and Jennifer Foster respectively and have yet to make full-time appointments.

VaselineJune 23, 2024

0 3 minutes read