If women's football fans thought Katie McCabe's move from Arsenal to direct rivals Chelsea would be the biggest shock, this move will have you stunned in more ways than one.
For months, there has been speculation over Sam Kerr's future. There were rumours she would join Lindsey Heaps at the Denver summit, but she denied them. The latest report is that she is returning to the NWSL to join the current champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC, on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea for a six-and-a-half-year spell in the WSL, which was royally derailed by her 20-month absence due to an ACL injury.
After two years away from the WSL, Mary Earps is back, following an underwhelming time at PSG, where she hoped to win the Champions League but last season bowed out early, finishing second from last with no wins. She has returned no longer as England's number one or a lioness, as she signs a two-year contract with London City Lionesses.
In a move that surprised no one, Beth Mead has joined Manchester City after hinting during the international break that everyone would find out next week. Her wishing Jill Scott good luck on her Sports Relief challenge from the Manchester City training ground is not a shock, as it has been announced that she has signed a three-year contract. This is even less of a surprise, knowing her partner, Vivianne Miedema, is currently at the club too.
In a shocking turn of events, Katie McCabe just jumped ships into the bed of the enemy, metaphorically. She will join Arsenal, who are sworn enemies of Chelsea in the WSL, a rivalry that goes back decades, as these sides constantly compete for silverware each season.
After strong speculation and cryptic messages, Bunny Shaw has surprisingly taken a dramatic U-turn, deciding against moving to rivals Chelsea and signing a new contract with Manchester City in 2030.
After many months of speculation and emotional games,, including her 500th game for the club, Alexia Putellas, also known as La Reina (the Queen), will leave her childhood club, Barcelona, on her terms.
It felt wrong and weird that her departure announcement was the day after the last home game at the Emirates of the season where other players like Beth Mead got their flowers, it feels wrong to not compare her in front of the home crowd after 11 years of service, But their last game of the season is all the way up in Liverpool at Anfield where she will lead the side out as Captain.
Sam officially left years ago. She shook and created a leaving video, then, 30 minutes later, after shocking the internet, announced she would sign a new contract for another two years. Those two years are up, and she's "It's official, now I am leaving Chelsea”. Feels bittersweet as she is finally getting back to the old Sam Kerr ways of scoring goals consistently for the club that supported her through everything, only to leave when she was ready
The Women’s Super League is approaching a summer that could quietly reshape the future of several of its biggest clubs. Across Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, some of the league’s most experienced and recognisable stars are entering the final stretch of their current contracts. Yet, official clarity over their futures remains limited.
Aston Villa Women will mark the end of two careers following the retirements of Lucy Staniforth and Paula Tomás.
Tottenham Hotspur Women will lose Bethany England this summer as part of a wide-ranging squad overhaul.
Manchester United Women are entering a new phase of squad planning following confirmation that Leah Galton will leave the club and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Elisabeth Terland’s long-term future.
Arsenal Women have reinforced their leadership structure by securing new contracts for Leah Williamson and Steph Catley, while also confirming the departures of goalkeepers Manuela Zinsberger and Naomi Williams.
Chelsea Women are entering a period of transition after the retirement of long-serving defender Millie Bright, while also managing external interest in several core squad members.
Manchester City Women are preparing for a transformative summer following the expected departure of Khadija “Bunny” Shaw and the confirmed retirement of midfielder Laura Coombs.
Miss Arsenal has signed a new contract with Arsenal Women, extending her stay for two years, after spending 20 years with the club since joining as a child.
Stina Blackstenius has signed a new contract with Arsenal.
Ona Batlle to Arsenal looks more than likely, with rumours that the deal is close to being finalised on a free transfer, as her contract with Barcelona expires this summer.
After months of rumours about her future, Catarina Macario has left Chelsea amid persistent questions about her contract, particularly after it was reported that she declined a contract extension from the club. The USWNT player completes a permanent move to San Diego Wave, bringing her three-year spell in London to an end. This transfer announcement comes a significant period of time after the NWSL winter window closed and after the Chelsea manager confirmed she was still a Chelsea player just a mere nine days ago.
As we head into the business end of the season, the summer transfer rumour mill has already kicked off, as we are likely to see a full revolution of stars throughout the WSL and abroad.
Chelsea women are preparing for an overhaul of their squad this summer, with many stars having their contracts expire. Sam Kerr and Millie Bright are the top options to leave at the end of the season.
Rumours are circulating in women’s football ahead of the summer transfer window, with several high-profile players linked to moves or contract renewals. Reports suggest that Catarina Macário could join San Diego Wave from Chelsea in what would be the largest deal in the history of the women’s game. London City Lionesses are reportedly monitoring Mapi León of Barcelona and Mary Earps of Paris Saint-Germain as potential signings to strengthen their squad. At the same time, Khadija Shaw is close to agreeing a new contract at Manchester City despite reported interest from Chelsea.
It has been reported that Catarina Macario has declined a new contract offer from Chelsea. This puts her future at the club in significant doubt, with only a few months left on her current deal.
Barcelona is facing fresh speculation: are two of its brightest stars—Alexia Putellas and Vicky López—on PSG’s radar? If the rumours prove true, it could mark a seismic shift in women’s football, especially in Spain and France. Here’s what we know, what’s speculative, and what it could mean.
As the season is about to start, and some of the summer transfer windows worldwide have already closed, let’s look at the blockbuster money-spending signings we have seen.
Deadline Day delivered one of the most dramatic twists in WSL history, with two Lionesses switching allegiances across Manchester.
The WSL transfer window has closed with major headlines — from record-breaking moves to star swaps.
As we are on deadline day, here is a look back at the best WSL moves and summer transfers we have had in the past. This could be the most significant record signing, a fantastic swoop for a player, or a player who has later on helped the club incredibly and got the bang for their buck.
Manchester United is interested in a move for Jess Park from Manchester City.
Arsenal is interested in signing the 26-year-old Swiss international before the WSL transfer deadline of Thursday, September 4th, 11 p.m.
Alyssa Thompson was listed as OUT with an “excused absence” in Angel City’s last Match against Vay FC.
Lia Walti, the Swiss international who led her country, the host nation of the Euros, into the knockout stage for the first time, is likely to leave Arsenal.
Big Fish has swum back over the Pond after two years at Chelsea.
Finally, Arsenal is catching up with Chelsea and has agreed to a world record fee for Olivia Smith from Liverpool Women, which rivals that of Chelsea signing Naomi Girma in January.
Let's look at what transfers have been made in and around the WSL While I will focus on the players coming in, I will mention some big names leaving. Some clubs have yet to make any moves to sign new players to replace the players they have lost as free agents.
Ashley Lawrence was pulled off the parent trap switch for Ellie Carpenter, causing the transfer market to switch between OL Lyonnais and Chelsea.
Chloe Kelly is here to stay, ‘first time was nice, we had to do it twice.’
It is a Michele Kang thing… swapping her players between her clubs.
Chelsea has burst her forwards with the signing of young talent Mara Alber after this being a considerable area of weakness this season with injuries impacting the availability of a number 10 style striker.
Let’s discuss Chelsea's goalkeeper situation, as they just signed Livia Peng.
All the quick transfer updates from womens football right here. As the transfer window opens on the 18th June and closes 4th September.
🛍️ WSL Summer Transfer Window 2025: Key Dates & Major Moves Taking Shape
WSL Deadline Day: where is Walsh going?
If you can't beat them, buy them.
