During the month of January, the most competitive women’s league in world football saw a monumental shift in the top teams squad. In the highest spending window in history, what does this mean for the future of the WSL?
Chelsea
The most dominant team in English football, 7 WSL titles to their name and an 8th looking most likely. The reigning champions didn’t shy away from spending the big bucks over the winter to strengthen their squad. New manager, Sonia Bompastor has hit the ground running since her appointment in the summer. Currently unbeaten in the Champions League and WSL, 7 points clear of Manchester United in the league, could things get any better for the blues?
Despite this unbelievable record, Chelsea have further strengthened their team with two world class players.
American defender Naomi Girma broke the record for the most expensive women’s footballer. The £900,000 move from San Diego Wave FC to Chelsea was a monumental move for the women’s game. Girma won gold in the Olympics with her national side last summer and was named in the Fifa World XI in the same year. The 24-year-old had massive interest from many top WSL sides, including Chelsea’s London rivals – Arsenal. But it was the league leaders, Chelsea, who sealed the deal, splashing the cash on the young talent to secure their first signing of the transfer window. The defender is expected to make an instant impact for Chelsea and extend their unbeaten form.
Despite Chelsea’s sheer dominance, the only trophy missing from their cabinet may be the biggest of all. The Champions League. With their sights set on winning their first European trophy this season, experienced midfielder Keira Walsh, looked like the missing piece of the puzzle.
A back to back European champion, Walsh’s deadline day signing was a major shock to all football fans. Pinching the England international from Spanish giants, Barcelona, who are three times Champions League winners. It was clear Chelsea weren’t messing around and really meant business.
Walsh had previously held the record for the largest women’s transfer fee in 2022 after an incredible Euros campaign. Barcelona signed the Lioness in the summer and then won the Champions League again less than 12 months later. The £400,000 deal was the highest transfer deal at the time but seems tiny compared to her move to London for double that fee.
Chelsea paid £800,000 for the midfielder to return to the WSL despite Barcelona being unwilling to sell, the deal was accepted in the evening before the transfer window deadline.
Walsh, like her new teammate Girma, also featured in the 2024 Fifa World XI.
Chelsea have made a real statement to England and the rest of the world, they are coming for that quadruple and have the quality, squad and spending power to do so.
Arsenal and Manchester City
Both of these WSL giants have been dominating the headlines, loaning out players to each other.
Interim manager turned permanent Arsenal manager, Rennee Slegers participated in her first transfer window since being appointed, after her predecessor Jonas Eidevall resigned in mid October. An extremely successful interim run, the Dutchwoman led the Gunners to 10 wins in 11 matches over the space of 3 months. This impressive record solidified herself as a worthy fit for the new head coach.
Failing to impress the new manager, Austrian defender Lauren Wienroither, seized the opportunity for a loan move to Manchester City until the end of the season. The 26 year old has only featured 3 times this season, facing stiff competition from USA international Emily Fox. With Wienroither, desperate for minutes and Manchester City struggling with injuries, it was the perfect match.
However, the link between Manchester City and Arsenal doesn’t end there.
England forward, Chloe Kelly, sought a move away from City. Red flags were raised as the England forward had only made one WSL start this season, and with the Euros in 6 months, every minute is critical for England selection.
Kelly’s contract with the Manchester side is set to expire in the summer. Brighton and the “other side of Manchester” placed an offer on deadline day but both were rejected. However a loan move to Arsenal was agreed and the academy graduate returned ‘home’ to her former side.
The move seemed to be the best solution for the striker after posting to her 800k followers on Instagram:
‘Ultimately I just want to be happy.’ – Chloe Kelly via social media
Her relationship with the club has seemingly broken down so ultimately this seems to be the best decision for the player and perhaps even her nation. She is expected to make a warm return to North London, with the option to become a permanent player again.
Chelesa are leaps and bounds ahead of their competitors, in relation to signing the top players for a worthy price. Fans of rival clubs fear for a dominant Chelsea side as competitors struggle financially to keep up with the league giants. Fans of the league worry that the WSL may turn out to be similar to the top division French league. French side, Lyon, have won 17 out of 18 previous titles. Could the WSL turn this dominant?
