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.
Chelsea reportedly attempted to renew contracts for most of their current players in most of January rather than signing new stars. However, none of this has been confirmed so that the Blues could have wasted a whole transfer window.
The Chelsea manager on those contract extension rumours: “Yes, just on all the names you mentioned. I, as well as the club, had private conversations with the players. I believe all of them know their individual plans for the future. This is not the place we want to share, obviously.
But as a club we are in a good place. We know exactly what we want to do in the future, and the players know as well. So I think we are confident.”
Sonai Bompastor spoke on the window after Chelsea's 5-1 loss to Manchester City: “Without making too many comments on that, probably I would have liked to be in a better place in terms of the last transfer window we had.”
Lucy Bronze joined Chelsea in July 2024, with Sonia Bompastor, who was confirmed as Emma Hayes’ successor, understood to have played a key role in convincing her to return to the WSL after speaking to her at the Champions League final. Bronze arrived with elite experience from Europe’s top clubs and immediately strengthened Chelsea’s defence. A modern full-back, she balances strong defensive positioning with attacking support, offering overlapping runs, quality crossing and the versatility to operate as either a full-back or wing-back.
Her impact was decisive during the 2024–25 season. Bronze scored the title-clinching goal against Manchester United with a powerful header as Chelsea secured their sixth consecutive WSL title and went on to complete the domestic treble. She added leadership and consistency at both ends of the pitch, playing a key role in Chelsea’s continued success in league and cup competitions. While nothing has been confirmed about her future, her use of “we” when discussing next season suggests a sense of continuity. If she were to leave, Chelsea would lose a rare combination of defensive reliability, attacking output and experience that is difficult to replace.
Hannah Hampton has emerged as a central figure in Chelsea’s defence after working her way through the squad and winning the battle to become first-choice goalkeeper. She is a modern keeper known for her shot-stopping, distribution and authority in the penalty area, as well as her calmness under pressure. Despite having limited depth perception, Hampton has consistently performed at the highest level, including major finals and penalty shoot-outs.
She featured prominently during Chelsea’s WSL title-winning campaign and finished last season as a joint Golden Glove winner. Her form continued on the international stage at Euro 2025, where she faced intense scrutiny but produced crucial saves in penalty shoot-outs to help England secure back-to-back European titles. Hampton’s presence gives Chelsea confidence at the back and supports their high defensive line and build-up play. Letting her go would be extremely risky, as replacing her shot-stopping and distribution without destabilising the defence would be difficult.
Millie Bright joined Chelsea from Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2015 and has been a central pillar of the club’s most successful era. A physical and commanding centre-back, she has long excelled in aerial duels, defensive organisation and leadership. Bright played a key role in multiple WSL titles, FA Cup victories and domestic cup finals, anchoring a defence that consistently delivered clean sheets.
Now out of contract this summer, questions surround her future as age and pace become factors, and Chelsea have other leaders within the squad capable of stepping up. While Bright’s leadership and experience have been foundational to Chelsea’s dominance, her departure would mark a natural point of transition. Although losing her would affect defensive identity and organisation, it could also allow Chelsea to refresh the back line and evolve tactically.
Aggie Beever-Jones remains one of Chelsea’s most promising academy graduates and represents a key part of the club’s attacking future. After gaining experience on loan at Bristol City and Everton, she has broken into Chelsea’s first team as a forward capable of operating across the front line. Known for her intelligent movement, pressing and goal threat, she has already delivered in high-pressure moments.
Her 94th-minute header in the 2025 Women’s FA Cup semi-final highlighted her ability to make a decisive impact, and she has since added WSL, FA Cup and League Cup honours with Chelsea. Beever-Jones has also made her senior England debut, scored her first international goals and featured at Euro 2025, underlining her rapid development. She offers energy, flexibility and long-term attacking potential, and losing her would deprive Chelsea of valuable homegrown depth and reduce their ability to maintain intensity across competitions.
Sam Kerr signed for Chelsea from Chicago Red Stars in January 2020 and has since become one of the most iconic forwards in the club’s history. A natural box striker, Kerr is defined by elite movement, aerial dominance and clinical finishing, while also leading Chelsea’s press from the front. As the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, she has delivered decisive moments across domestic and European competition, including scoring in the 2023 FA Cup final. Kerr reached her 100th goal for Chelsea in 2025 after returning from long-term injury and remains under contract until summer 2026. Her goals regularly decide title races and cup runs, and her absence forces major tactical adjustment.
Catarina Macario joined Chelsea in 2022 from OL Reign and brought elite creativity and positional intelligence to the attacking midfield. She operates effectively between the lines, linking midfield and attack with incisive passing and movement. Macario has contributed goals and assists across Chelsea’s WSL and Champions League campaigns, often helping to unlock compact defences. Her contract is reported to expire in summer 2026 and, while she has attracted interest from NWSL clubs, a January move is considered unlikely. Losing Macario would reduce Chelsea’s central creativity and attacking variety.
Guro Reiten signed for Chelsea from LSK Kvinner in 2020 and has become a consistent creative presence on the left flank. Known for cutting inside onto her stronger left foot, Reiten combines technical quality with defensive work rate and reliable penalty taking. She scored a crucial winning penalty against Arsenal in January 2025 that strengthened Chelsea’s title challenge and has won multiple league and domestic cup trophies with the club. With her contract reportedly expiring in summer 2026, Reiten remains a key tactical asset, and her departure would remove a dependable source of creativity and balance.
Emily Fox arrived at Arsenal from the NWSL in 2024 and was recruited for her pace, defensive solidity and tactical discipline. She has become a regular option in high-pressure domestic and European fixtures, providing stability on the flank while supporting transitions into attack. Fox is reported to be out of contract in summer 2026, with no public confirmation of a renewal. Her departure would leave Arsenal needing to strengthen depth in wide defensive areas.
Katie McCabe joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015 and has spent over a decade establishing herself as a driving force on the left side. Combining aggressive defending with attacking thrust and high-quality crossing, she has been central to Arsenal’s identity and leadership group. McCabe played key roles in Arsenal’s 2025 Champions League triumph and multiple domestic cup finals. Her contract runs until summer 2026, and reports suggest Arsenal may not offer a renewal as the club looks to refresh its squad. Losing McCabe would represent a significant tactical and cultural shift.
Kim Little remains one of Arsenal’s most influential figures, renowned for her control of tempo, vision and ability to arrive late in scoring positions. A press-resistant midfielder, she has been crucial in dictating play during high-stakes league and European matches. Little has contributed to domestic cup successes and Arsenal’s Champions League triumph, with her experience proving vital in tight contests. Her contract is reported to expire in summer 2026, and her departure would weaken Arsenal’s midfield control and leadership.
Stina Blackstenius joined Arsenal from BK Häcken in January 2022 and quickly established herself as a reliable match-winning striker. A direct centre-forward, she offers intelligent movement, strong hold-up play and decisive finishing. Blackstenius scored the winning goal in the 2025 Champions League final against Barcelona, securing Arsenal’s first European title in 18 years. Her contract is reported to expire in summer 2026, and her absence would significantly reduce Arsenal’s physical presence and threat in big matches.
Beth Mead joined Arsenal from Sunderland in 2017 and has been a consistent attacking outlet from wide areas. Known for her direct dribbling, crossing and intelligent timing of runs, she has delivered key goals and assists in domestic competition. Mead played a supporting role in Arsenal’s 2025 Champions League final build-up and recently declined a formal offer from London City Lionesses to remain with the club. Her contract runs until summer 2026, and her departure would remove an experienced and reliable creator.
Bunny Shaw is Manchester City’s primary goal threat and is listed among the notable players whose contracts are set to expire in 2026. Physically dominant and effective in transition, she consistently leads City’s scoring output. Losing Shaw would leave City without their central attacking reference and require a major replacement in the forward line.
Leila Ouahabi joined Manchester City in 2022 after a long and successful career at Barcelona. Comfortable in possession and defensively reliable, she provides experience and composure on the left side of defence. Her contract is reported to expire in summer 2026, and her departure would reduce City’s depth and experience in wide defensive areas.
Laura Coombs is listed as a likely free agent in 2026 and offers City a possession-focused midfield option. She contributes to tempo control and transitional stability, often providing depth off the bench. Her exit would reduce City’s midfield rotation and control options.
Manuela Zinsberger has been Arsenal’s long-serving first-choice goalkeeper, known for her shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area. She brings experience and composure in high-pressure matches. With her contract reportedly expiring in summer 2026 and no renewal confirmed, Arsenal would be forced to recruit proven goalkeeping experience if she departs.
Rachel Daly is a veteran forward recognised for her versatility across attacking positions and her leadership qualities. Previously a key figure at Aston Villa, she is listed as a potential free agent in 2026. Her departure would require Tottenham Hotspur to replace a flexible and experienced attacking option.
Kosovare Asllani is a highly experienced creative midfielder and a central figure in London City Lionesses’ promotion ambitions. Known for her vision, intelligence and leadership, she has played a key role in raising the club’s competitive level. Her contract is reported to expire in summer 2026, and losing her would impact both creativity and squad cohesion.
Bethany England is an experienced forward with multiple WSL titles and individual honours earlier in her career, including the 2020 WSL Player of the Year award. She provides depth, leadership and reliability in Tottenham’s attack. With her contract likely expiring in summer 2026, Spurs would lose valuable experience and attacking options if she departs.
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