The Women’s Super League’s summer transfer window slammed shut at 23:00 GMT, prompting BBC Sport’s panel of former internationals—Steph Houghton, Ellen White, Karen Bardsley and Jen Beattie—to hand out grades to each of the twelve clubs. Their consensus: Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have emerged as the season’s most astute shoppers, while Manchester United have squandered the most opportunities.
Overall Winners and Losers
On a 10‑point scale, the panel awarded Chelsea a 9.0, Arsenal an 8.5 and Liverpool an 8.0 for their blend of marquee signings and shrewd bargains. Manchester United lagged behind with a 4.5, reflecting a lack of impactful arrivals and several high‑profile departures.
Chelsea: A Summer of Strength
Chelsea’s recruitment drive was anchored by the acquisition of England forward Sam Kerr, whose record‑breaking goal tally in the NWSL promises to add firepower to the Blues’ attack. Complementary signings—midfielder Sofia Jakobsson and defender Lucy Bronze—bolster depth across the spine. The panel praised the club’s balance of experience and youth, noting the strategic timing of each deal.
Arsenal: Strategic Reinforcements
Arsenal’s window was defined by precision rather than volume. The Gunners secured the services of Dutch winger Vivianne Miedema on a free transfer, re‑uniting her with former club coach Jonas Eidevall. Defensive solidity was enhanced with the signing of Irish centre‑back Katie McCabe. The pundits highlighted Arsenal’s focus on positional needs and the minimal disruption to squad chemistry.
Liverpool: Quiet but Effective
While Liverpool’s activity was less headline‑grabbing, the club’s targeted approach earned it a solid rating. The arrival of South African striker Thembi Kgatlana adds pace on the flanks, and the loan of midfielder Lauren James from Manchester United provides creative impetus. The panel commended the Reds for securing quality players without inflating the wage bill.
Manchester United: Missed Opportunities
Manchester United’s summer was marked by the departure of key figures such as forward Bethany England and defender Lucy Bronze, with few signings to offset the loss. The lone high‑profile arrival, midfielder Jodie Taylor, arrived on a short‑term deal, offering limited long‑term impact. Pundits cited a lack of clear recruitment strategy and warned that the squad could struggle to maintain its recent top‑four standing.
Other Clubs: Mixed Fortunes
Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion each posted a blend of promising additions and notable exits. City’s acquisition of Dutch midfielder Vivianne Miedema (a typo in earlier reports) was offset by the sale of midfielder Lauren Hemp. Tottenham’s signing of forward Bethany England was praised, yet defensive departures left gaps. West Ham’s recruitment of young talent earned a respectable 6.5, while Leicester’s modest spending secured a 6.0 rating. Brighton, despite limited activity, maintained squad stability and received a 6.5.
Final Thoughts
As the WSL heads into the new season, the transfer window’s outcomes will shape the title race and European qualification battles. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool appear poised to challenge for honours, whereas Manchester United must address their recruitment shortfall if they wish to remain contenders. The panel’s ratings provide a snapshot, but on‑field performance will ultimately decide who truly won the window.
