The Women’s Super League transfer window opens at the end of June, and clubs are already busy preparing for this summer’s Women’s World Cup. Champions Chelsea have already done some early business, while Manchester United are competing in Europe for the first time and will hope to bring in more quality. Manchester City are likely to dip into the market after finishing fourth in the league, and clubs at the bottom of the WSL are planning squad rebuilds.
Which big moves could happen? Arsenal maintain heavy interest in Manchester United’s Alessia Russo, and have held discussions with the England striker over a move when her contract expires this summer. United and Spain full-back Ona Batlle could also leave on the expiry of her contract with Barcelona’s long-term interest remaining. An option to extend United goalkeeper Mary Earps’ contract for another year has been exercised but they face a battle to keep her with several clubs keen to sign her in this window. Chelsea are favourites to sign USA forward Catarina Macario after her Lyon contract expired, and have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Paris St-Germain defender Ashley Lawrence. Aston Villa are hopeful of signing Manchester United winger Kirsty Hanson and Arsenal defender Anna Patten on permanent deals following successful loan spells. They must agree a sale with United for Hanson and face competition from Brighton for Patten’s signature, but Villa are favourites. Villa are also seeking a new goalkeeper with England international Hannah Hampton turning down a contract extension amid interest from top sides in the WSL, and from two Spanish clubs. Manchester City forward Jess Park attracted interest following her impressive loan spell at Everton, but is expected to remain at the club to compete for a place next season. Recently departed Manchester City winger Hayley Raso is set to join Real Madrid after arranging a medical, despite several WSL clubs including Tottenham declaring a late interest in signing her. Netherlands and Twente goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has been a target for a few WSL clubs, while Leicester are hopeful of signing Bayern Munich’s Janina Leitzig on a permanent deal despite competition from Manchester United.
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner said they will strengthen in the transfer window in preparation for Champions League football, and have reportedly made an offer for 19-year-old Netherlands forward Esmee Brugts, who also has interest from Manchester City. Despite reports suggesting Manchester United were interested in Atletico Madrid midfielder Maitane Lopez Millan, it is understood she is likely to move to the NWSL. United goalkeeper Emily Ramsey is out of contract and was wanted by Everton in January, where she enjoyed an impressive loan spell this season. Everton defender Rikke Sevecke will leave when her contract expires and is expected to join an Italian club in Serie A. Wolfsburg forward Rebecka Blomqvist is a target for several WSL clubs including Everton and Brighton, but is believed to have been offered an attractive deal to stay in Germany. Manchester City may renew their interest in Everton defender Gabby George, while Brighton defender Poppy Pattinson has had an offer from the NWSL. West Ham defender Grace Fisk is out of contract this summer and has attracted attention from Real Betis, AC Milan, Chicago Red Stars and several WSL clubs. The Hammers have some key players out of contract this summer including England defender Lucy Parker, who has sparked wide interest. Meanwhile, defender Melisa Filis is likely to leave the club. Elsewhere, Liverpool have looked at a few attacking options and are favourites to sign young Sheffield United forward Mia Enderby. They have also shown interest in AC Milan striker Martina Piemonte – along with Everton. The Reds have also enquired about Australia goalkeeper Teagan Micah and Scotland defender Jenna Clark, though they face competition from clubs in Germany. Relegated Reading will switch to a part-time set-up so could lose several senior players including Wales’ Gemma Evans who has attracted interest from at least four WSL clubs.
West Ham are looking at candidates to replace Paul Konchesky, who departed as manager at the end of the season, while Manchester City are set to offer a new contract to manager Gareth Taylor. Tottenham are also in talks with several candidates for their managerial position, including interim boss Vicky Jepson, who helped them survive relegation and is highly regarded at the club. Away from the WSL, Lyon striker Signe Bruun, who was a late January target for Arsenal, is close to a move to Real Madrid. Lyon’s former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, who has had interest from Barcelona, has just one year remaining on her contract and it is understood talks about a renewal have not yet begun.
What deals have already been done? Former Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson and forward Pernille Harder have joined Bayern Munich. Germany midfielder Sjoeke Nusken and Belgium goalkeeper Nicky Evrard have joined Chelsea, while the club have given new contracts to Fran Kirby, Maren Mjelde and Lauren James. German defender Leonie Maier has joined Hoffenheim following the expiry of her contract at Everton, but Megan Finnigan and Lucy Hope have signed new deals at the club. Aston Villa youngster Evie Rabjohn has signed a first professional contract with Manchester United. Everton captain Izzy Christiansen has announced her retirement, while Manchester City skipper Steph Houghton has signed a new one-year contract to compete in a 10th season with the club. City have also announced new deals for top scorer Khadija Shaw, midfielder Laura Coombs and defender Alanna Kennedy. Arsenal have already announced new deals for key players Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Lia Walti, Manuela Zinsberger, Kim Little and Frida Maanum, but Brazil captain Rafaelle Souza has left the club. Newly promoted Bristol City have given contract extensions to Ffion Morgan, Emily Syme, Chloe Mustaki and Jasmine Bull.