WSL deadline day and the possible big transfers that could happen

12 September 2023 , 13:13

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The WSL transfer window has already seen a flurry of activity (Image: REX)

The clock is ticking on the WSL summer transfer window with the deadline fast approaching.

Clubs in England's top women's division now have just a few days to finalise deals and complete their squads for the new season. With the 2023 World Cup, that saw the Lionesses very nearly lift the trophy, meaning a later start to the top flight this term, clubs have been allowed extra time to trade players.

We've seen a busy summer for the majority of WSL sides, with every club bar one (Man City) bringing in at least five new additions. Arsenal finally managed to land England forward Alessia Russo after she left Man Utd and have also added World Cup star Amanda Ilestedt.

Title holders Chelsea have added two top quality goalkeepers to their ranks in the form of Nicky Evrard and Hannah Hampton, as well as highly rated Canadian defender Ashley Lawrence from PSG. Meanwhile, United have responded to losing Russo by bringing in Japan's World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa.

So let's take a look at where we stand as the transfer window draws to a close.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

When is the WSL transfer deadline?

The summer transfer window for WSL clubs opened officially on June 26. But unlike the men's game in England it did not close on September 1.

Instead deadline day takes place on Thursday September 14. After 11pm clubs won't be able to buy or sell players until January, when the mid-season window opens for one month.

Deadline day takes place just over two weeks before the start of the new WSL season, with the first round of fixtures taking place on October 1.

The biggest moves so far

As mentioned the signings of Russo and Ilestedt spearheaded Arsenal's recruitment drive this summer. Manager Jonas Eidevall was keen to bolster his squad after narrowly missing out on the title and a Champions League final appearance last season and the duo's arrival should mean the Gunners have greater strength in depth to call upon.

Arsenal have also completed a deal for Laia Codina from Barcelona, the defender fresh from helping Spain to a World Cup triumph in New Zealand and Australia, as well as the highly rated Cloe Lacasse from Benfica. The new additions will have to get over the early disappointment of crashing out of the Champions League at the qualifying stage, after a penalty shootout defeat to Paris FC. The tie did at least see Russo score her first goals in an Arsenal shirt.

London rivals Chelsea made one of the marquee signings of the summer bringing in Canadian defender Lawrence who will bolster the Blues backline. They've also added former Lyon forward Catarina Macario to their ranks. One of the brightest US stars in recent years, Macario who will wear the number nine shirt for Emma Hayes' team.

Ebony Salmon of England has joined Aston Villa Women from the Houston Dash (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Aston Villa, who disrupted the top half last season with a fifth place WSL finish, have had one of the strongest windows so far. Carla Ward's impressive recruitment strategy has seen Lucy Parker, Man Utd pair Kirsty Hansen and Adriana Leon, and also England's Ebony Salmon all arrive at the club.

United have bolstered their forward line after the departures of Russo, Hansen and Vilde Boe Risa, who has joined Atletico. As well as Miyazawa, they have also signed Brazilian star Geyse from Champions League holders Barcelona.

Their local rivals Man City have signed just one player so far, one of the stars of the World Cup Jill Roord returning to the WSL from Wolfsburg. But Gareth Taylor's squad will further be bolstered by the return of Jess Park and Ruby Mace who spent last season out on loan.

Manchester United unveil new signing Geyse at Old Trafford

Meanwhile Brighton have been the most active club so far bringing in ten new players, including the statement signing of former Barcelona captain, and Arsenal and Man City midfielder, Vicky Losada.

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

Could any big moves still happen?

We could still see a late flurry of activity before Thursday's deadline. Although one big move that looked on the cards a week ago, could now be off.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps was thought to be close to leaving Man Utd after the World Cup, with contract extension talks having stalled. Earps' current deal expires next summer, so United risk losing her on a free if they don't agree an extension or move her on now.

However, in the latest twist United have now told Earps she will not be allowed to leave this window. United and Earps have been engrossed in contract negotiations for over a year but with no breakthrough forthcoming her future remains far from certain.

Mary Earps looks likely to depart Manchester United amid an ongoing contract saga (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Whether United change their approach before Thursday remains to be seen. Arsenal have already had a bid for Earps rejected, while French powerhouse PSG were also reportedly interested in England's No.1. If United's resolve is tested again before Thursday, a decision to sell could spark further movement, as the Red Devils would then need to bring in a replacement keeper.

Even if Earps remains at the club, United are looking into the possibility of bolstering their goalkeeping department, linked with both West Ham's Mackenzie Arnold and OL Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce in recent weeks.

One club likely to further bolster their squad before the deadline are Arsenal. Prior to their Champions League exit, Jonas Eidevall stated his club remain "active" in the transfer market and they are expected to bring in at least one player.

This could be BK Hacken's Elin Rubensson, with reports in Sweden indicating the Gunners will test the resolve of the Allsvenkan league leaders. And although Brighton have already made more new signings than any other club so far, the Albion aren't quite yet done and are expected to bring in at least one more new face before the deadline.

Jack Lacey-Hatton