Final day looms as WSL clubs weigh late transfer moves
The Women’s Super League transfer window closes on Tuesday night, with clubs racing against the clock to complete any final business before the 23:00 GMT deadline.
Teams have been active since the window opened on 2 January, and several significant deals have already reshaped the market. Manchester City secured USA international Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns for £600,000, while Aston Villa moved for Chelsea midfielder Oriane Jean Francois in a £450,000 deal. Liverpool, currently bottom of the table, also broke their transfer record by signing Republic of Ireland international Denise O’Sullivan from North Carolina Courage for £300,000.
With those moves completed, attention now turns to whether deadline day will deliver further drama. Arsenal remain a club to watch. The Gunners are planning aggressively for the future, with England midfielder Georgia Stanway close to agreeing a pre contract ahead of a summer move when her Bayern Munich deal expires. Talks are also advanced with Barcelona full back Ona Batlle over a free transfer in the off season.
Arsenal have a history of late window action and are keen to strengthen in midfield, leaving open the possibility of a surprise move before the deadline. Elsewhere in London, Chelsea’s window has been unusually quiet, despite interest in Nigeria midfielder Jennifer Echegini. Paris St Germain have already rejected one bid, and with the French window closed, a sale now looks unlikely.
Chelsea could yet see movement in the opposite direction. USA forward Catarina Macario is attracting interest from NWSL clubs, while questions have also been raised about Germany midfielder Sjoeke Nusken. However, current indications suggest Nusken will remain at the club unless circumstances change rapidly. Head coach Sonia Bompastor has publicly hinted at frustration over squad depth, with the Blues yet to add any new faces.
Away from the title contenders, Manchester City defender Codie Thomas is set for a loan move, with a deal in principle agreed for the 19 year old to join Glasgow City. London City Lionesses are pushing to add one more signing before the window shuts, while Aston Villa have continued to explore attacking options throughout the winter.
Everton may still be active late on, with Roma midfielder Zara Kramzar close to joining on loan with an obligation to buy. A medical is scheduled for Tuesday. France forward Kelly Gago has requested to leave the club, but no suitor has met the £500,000 release clause in her contract.
West Ham have so far resisted interest in striker Shekiera Martinez, and Leicester City could sanction several loan exits involving younger players as the deadline approaches.
As the clock ticks down, clubs across the WSL face final decisions that could shape their seasons. Whether through last minute arrivals or unexpected departures, deadline day promises one final burst of transfer intrigue before attention returns fully to the pitch.