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Chelsea approached the January transfer window cautiously, opting to focus on contract renewals rather than major acquisitions. The club has reportedly held discussions with key players, including Sam Kerr, Hannah Hampton, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Lucy Bronze, though none of these extensions have been formally confirmed. Manager Sonia Bompastor indicated that private conversations had taken place and expressed confidence that both the club and the players are aligned on plans. Speaking after Chelsea’s 5-1 defeat to Manchester City, Bompastor admitted that the club would have liked to be in a stronger position in the previous window, acknowledging lessons learned and the need for more proactive action in the future. Rumours continue to circulate regarding Georgia Stanway’s potential summer move to Arsenal, while speculation linking Sjoeke Nüsken with Bayern Munich seems unlikely. Nüsken remains central to Chelsea’s plans after signing a contract extension until 2027, and any departure is expected in future windows rather than imminently.

With the January window closed, the clubs will look ahead to the summer. Clubs can also renew contracts with their current players between now and the end of the season. The summer of 2026 sees many WSL stars out of contract, and they can speak to other clubs from now until the end of the season and sign pre-season contracts ahead of the 2026/27 season. These are some of the players who could either stick or twist.

As it is deadline day for the WSL January transfer window, let's look at the most exciting deadline day moves we have seen. From last-minute player pulls to swapping leagues. While technically a loan move, it eventually became permanent.

For the first time in over 11 years, Chelsea have lost back-to-back WSL matches. This season is definitely one the Blues will like to forget. They started strong, hoping to secure their seventh consecutive title, but dipped in November. Once they thought they had recovered, they lost 2-0 to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, their first WSL loss at the main stadium. Then 5-1 to Man City away. This is their worst WSL loss in history; the previous one was a 4-0 loss to Sunderland in 2015. This was the first time Sonia Bompastor had had back-to-back defeats in 181 games in all competitions 

Manchester City’s performance against Chelsea in the WSL was described as both ruthless and impressive. Leaving their manager Andree Jeglerz speechless. With an 11-point lead at the top of the table, City's 5-1 victory over their biggest rivals at the Etihad Stadium confirms the title race. This was Chelsea's first back-to-back WSL loss in nearly 11 years.

The match that will define the title race: if Man City wins, they will have a 12-point lead over Chelsea. A draw would be a nine-point lead, which is somewhat unbeatable. A draw or a loss could see Chelsea drop down to third if Arsenal win their match.

Arsenal were inevitably crowned the inaugural winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup after defeating Brazil's Corinthians 3-2 after extra time. A tournament that rolled the red carpet at every stage for the London side to win. At a rain-soaked Emirates Stadium, the clubs secured £1.7 million and a ‘gold plate’ (dinner plate) trophy.

Plough Lane has emerged as a genuine option in Chelsea Women’s discussions over where to stage more of their home fixtures, with the club increasingly aware that Kingsmeadow no longer reflects either the scale of their success or the growth of the women’s game. 

Arsenal Women face Corinthians on Sunday at Emirates Stadium in the Champions Cup final, with the trophy and significant prize money on the line. 

WSL to introduce academy contracts for next season.

Rumour has it Arsenal are in talks to sign Barcelona full-back Ona Batlle this summer.

WSL football reports a £8.2 million loss for the first year of overseeing the top two tiers of the women's game in England.