The Women’s Super League transfer window has ended for the summer, now meaning that no other transfers can happen until the January transfer window next year. With nine deadline-day signings and recording-breaking fees reported, let’s take a look at some of the players who will be able to shine for their new teams during the upcoming WSL season.
Alessia Russo – Manchester United to Arsenal
Embed from Getty ImagesIn July of this summer, Russo finalised her free transfer from Manchester United to Arsenal. It’s interesting to note that in January of this year, Arsenal made a world-record offer of £500,000 for the striker, which Manchester United rejected. Russo’s contract, however, expired, allowing her to transfer to North London without a transfer fee.
While Arsenal’s most recent Champions League campaign ended in disappointment as the team was eliminated by Paris FC, fans got a peek at their new signing’s potential during that competition, with Russo demonstrating her abilities on the pitch by helping to score two of Arsenal’s three goals.
Jill Roord – Wolfsburg to Manchester City
Embed from Getty ImagesJill Roord left German team Wolfsburg this summer in a well-publicised transfer to Manchester City. A new British record was set with the transfer fee for the 26-year-old midfielder, which came to £300,000 for a three-year deal. At Wolfsburg, Roord’s contract had just one year left on it.
Notably, Roord is not a newcomer in the Women’s Super League (WSL), having spent a brief period of time there from 2019 to 2021 before leaving for Germany to play in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The club is counting on Roord’s talent and experience to strengthen their midfield, adding much-needed depth after a difficult 22-23 season in which City failed to win any major titles.
Catarina Macario – Olympique Lyonnais to Chelsea
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 23-year-old completed two solid seasons with Lyon in France’s Division 1 Féminine League, where she was a part of the winning team for two consecutive seasons. On the 1st of July 2023, she formally signed a three-year contract with Chelsea. In the 2022 final versus Barcelona, Macario made history by becoming the first American to score in a Women’s Champions League final.
Her goal assisted Lyon in claiming a second European championship. She contributed significantly to Lyon winning the league that season, scoring 23 goals in 33 games. Her 22/23 season, however, was ruined by an ACL injury that prevented her from participating in the USA’s short World Cup campaign. She is still regarded as one of the most exciting attacking players in the world when she is completely recovered, which should definitely thrill both fans and Chelsea.
Hinata Miyazawa – Mynavi Sendai to Manchester United
Embed from Getty ImagesThe World Cup Golden Boot winner, Hinata Miyazawa, finalised her transfer from Mynavi Sendai in Japan’s WE League, where she had played the previous two seasons, to Manchester United this summer. During Japan’s World Cup run this summer, the 23-year-old displayed incredible form, scoring an impressive five goals in just four games, ultimately winning the prized Golden Boot title.
The remarkable achievement attracted the interest of clubs all across Europe, raising the profile of the previously unexplored attacking midfielder. Many people view Miyazawa as a player to watch, therefore her entry into the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season is eagerly anticipated, with her new experience in the WSL being exciting and could have a big influence on United.
Vicky Losada – Roma to Brighton
Embed from Getty ImagesVicky Losada, a Spanish midfielder, was officially confirmed by Brighton to have signed a long-term contract in July. Pending the acceptance of her visa application, she is expected to sign with the WSL team. Losada has previously participated in three WSL seasons, having played for Manchester City from 2021 to 2023 and Arsenal from 2015 to 2016, in which she won two League Cups and the Women’s FA Cup during her prior appearances.
Beyond England, Losada has a distinguished history that includes key contributions at Barcelona, where she helped the team win six league titles, seven Spanish cups, and the Champions League in 2021; she also helped Roma win the Serie A title last year. Her winning attitude and expertise are what Brighton is counting on to strengthen their team in the WSL.