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.
This list of the best summer transfers since the league went professional ahead of the 2018/19 season.
2018- Lia Walti from Turbine Potsdam
Walti joined Arsenal and what would become a successful seven years. In her first season, she helped the Gunners win the WSL and was also named in the PFA WSL team of the year, all the while being injured for a part of the season. The Swiss international was one of the first major signings after the WSL went professional. Joining Arsenal, she quickly became a midfield anchor, offering control, composure, and defensive solidity. She was featured 17 times in all competitions, making her presence in the midfield known.
2019- Mary Earps from Wolfsburg
Mearns moved to Manchester United and became the England number one, won the Euros and the FA Cup in her time at United, became a household name, and went to a World Cup final. She had five clean sheets from 14 WSL appearances and saved 33 of 46 shots on target, with a save percentage of 78%. Set the WSL record for clean sheets in a season (14) in 2022–23, and holds the record at 56, indicating her enduring quality.
2020- Alex Greenwood from Lyon
This was the season where players who played in the States completed loan spells in WSL, as it had restarted during Covid-19, whereas the NWSL had not, so the likes of Alex Morgan loaned to Spurs were big, but we are particularly looking at permanent transfers. She featured in 18 league matches, almost ever-represented, and contributed to a defensive unit with significant positive performances
I had two options this: Lucy Bronze or Alex Greenwood to Manchester City. I will choose the latter because she has made a sustainable impact on the side for a longer time.
She has provided long-term stability, versatility, and quality in defence, making a sustained impact that continues today.
2021– Lauren James from Manchester United
Chelsea made one of the smartest investments in WSL history when they signed Lauren James. At the time, still a young, raw talent, James has since blossomed into one of the most gifted forwards in the world, capable of winning games with her flair and creativity. She has won the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year and Women's Football Awards Young Player of the Year for 2022–23. She was a crucial player for Chelsea, winning the quadruple and the FA and WSLs in the season beforehand.
2022- Rachel Daly from Houston Dash
While Yui Hasegawa from West Ham to Manchester City was epic and still is, I wanted to give this year's best signing to Aston Villa with the signing of Rachel Daly from a left back to a more attacking forward. She received the Golden Boot award in the 2022/23 season, her first for Villa and the first in a forward role. She scored 22 goals and equalled the WSL goal record in a single season—Aston Villa’s season top scorer with 30 goals across all competitions.
2023- Alessia Russo from Manchester United
One of the most high-profile transfers in recent WSL history. After a saga that included rejected world-record bids in January, Russo switched to Arsenal for free that summer. Her signing was a massive boost for the Gunners and a statement of intent for the league’s growing competitiveness. 12 goals and four assists in the WSL, totalling 16 goal involvements—only behind Shaw and Hemp in league contribution. 16 total goals across league and cups. Scored 12 goals in her debut WSL season for Arsenal and secured the League Cup title.
Honourable mention has to go to Hannah Hampton won back-to-back WSL at Chelsea, the domestic treble, golden glove award with the most clean sheets of 13, became The England No. 1 won back-to-back Euros, so I feel that title for 2023 is shared by these two lionesses. I moved from Aston Villa to Chelsea, fought two number one keepers to get the spot, and became a fan favourite. She has eight league games with five clean sheets, just four goals conceded in the eagle 82% save percentage, one of the highest in the league.
2024- Olivia Smith from Sporting
Liverpool pulled off a coup by signing Canadian wonderkid Olivia Smith. At just 19, she’s seen as one of the brightest talents in world football, and her move to the WSL was a significant signal of the league’s continued pull on emerging global stars. Played 25 matches in all competitions, scoring nine goals and notching one assist—top scorer for Liverpool Women that season. Voted Liverpool Women’s Player of the Season for her standout debut campaign.
Who will be the best of 2025? Let me know in the comments
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