Less than six weeks after England’s unforgettable Euro 2025 triumph in Switzerland, the Women’s Super League (WSL) is roaring back to life, and the new season promises to be one for the ages. As the 2025-26 campaign kicks off this weekend, fans are buzzing with anticipation—not just for the return of Sarina Wiegman’s victorious Lionesses, but for the whirlwind of transfer activity that’s reshaped the league’s landscape. From record-breaking deals to emotional farewells, the WSL deadline day delivered drama in spades, setting the stage for a season packed with intrigue and high stakes.
Right at the heart of the action was the jaw-dropping swap between Manchester’s fierce rivals. Grace Clinton, a rising star at just 22, made the bold leap from Manchester United to Manchester City, signing a contract that keeps her in sky blue until 2029. Clinton, reflecting on her decision, shared in a heartfelt farewell message: “This has been a very difficult decision for me because of the love I have for my team-mates and for you, the fans. However, I feel the future of the club and I aren’t on the same page. For me personally, the next step is about growth. I want to continue to develop and learn.”
Clinton’s move was mirrored by Jess Park heading the other way—from City to United—on the very same deadline day. Park, hungry for a fresh challenge, explained her motivation: “I wanted to break out of the boundaries and push myself to take on a new challenge. I’m the sort of person who wants to keep improving and pushing limits, and I think this is the perfect place for me to do that. I’m a player who wants the ball, and when I get it I like to look up and try and make things happen for my team-mates, so I think I can fit in really well here. I know the ambitions are very high and I want to help the team push towards them.”
These headline-grabbing swaps weren’t the only moves shaking up the WSL. Newly promoted London City Lionesses made their intentions crystal clear, smashing the women’s football transfer record by signing French international Grace Geyoro from PSG for an eye-watering £1.4 million. Geyoro’s arrival marks the Lionesses’ 16th permanent signing this summer—a clear signal they’re not content to merely survive in the top flight. As if that wasn’t enough, London City also splashed out around £430,000 to bring in 19-year-old forward Lucia Corrales from Barcelona, further fueling their ambitious project.
Meanwhile, Chelsea weren’t about to be left out of the transfer frenzy. The Blues secured USWNT sensation Alyssa Thompson from Angel City, with the 20-year-old winger signing a contract through 2030 for a club record £1.1 million. “Chelsea is such an amazing club, one of the best in the world,” Thompson said. “Being able to play with players that are the best in the world is an amazing opportunity at such a young age and I want to learn, grow and develop a lot. I feel like Chelsea is such an amazing environment to do that in.”
But not all the headlines were about arrivals. Arsenal bid an emotional farewell to Switzerland captain and Champions League winner Lia Walti, who joined Juventus during the summer window. Walti’s departure marks the end of an era at Arsenal, where she was cherished as both a leader and a linchpin on the field. “This is without any doubt one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to take in my life, to leave this football club,” Walti said. “Arsenal is so much more than just a football club for me, it became my home, my second family, my safe place, a place I always wanted to return to and all I have in my heart right now are just beautiful memories I will always keep with me.”
Amidst these seismic moves, several Lionesses are facing pivotal moments in their careers. Lucy Bronze, fresh off being one of Sonia Bompastor’s first signings at Chelsea, now finds herself competing with world-class right-back Ellie Carpenter for a starting spot. With Bronze sidelined by injury for the season’s opening weeks, all eyes are on how Chelsea’s formation might evolve to accommodate both talents when she returns.
Chloe Kelly’s story is another one to watch. After a successful loan stint at Arsenal, Kelly made her move permanent this summer and is determined to build on her impressive run of goals and assists. If she continues her upward trajectory, whispers of a more prominent role in Wiegman’s England squad will only grow louder. Meanwhile, Beth Mead, who faced speculation about a possible move to London City Lionesses, has opted to stay at Arsenal and fight for her place—adding even more depth to a Gunners side competing on four fronts this year.
Goalkeeper drama isn’t in short supply either. Ellie Roebuck, still just 25, has returned to England with Aston Villa after a harrowing health scare and a long road back to fitness. Once tipped as England’s next No.1, Roebuck’s quest to reclaim her spot on the international stage could be one of the season’s most compelling narratives. Across Manchester, 21-year-old Khiara Keating—once the league’s youngest Golden Glove winner—will be battling to regain her starting spot at City after making 14 appearances last season. With Ayaka Yamashita likely to miss time for international duty, Keating’s chance to shine could come sooner rather than later.
Young talents are also making waves. Michelle Agyemang, just 19, captured the nation’s attention with her Euro 2025 heroics and will spend the upcoming season on loan at Brighton, hoping to cement herself as a regular starter in the top flight. Ruby Mace, 21, is embarking on a new chapter at Everton after recovering from injury, aiming to gain crucial experience in holding midfield and provide much-needed depth for England behind Keira Walsh.
Of course, not all stories are about comebacks and new beginnings. Millie Bright, one of last season’s standout performers, withdrew from Euro 2025 due to mental and physical fatigue and has since undergone knee surgery. As she works her way back, questions linger about her future with the Lionesses and whether she’ll reclaim her place in Wiegman’s plans.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have been busy reinforcing their squad, bringing in Risa Shimizu on loan from Manchester City, Alejandra Bernabe on a permanent deal from Chelsea, and Polish midfielder Emilia Szymczak on loan from Barcelona. Spurs and Liverpool also made moves for Scandinavian talent, with Norway’s Cathinka Tandberg and Sweden’s Beata Olsson joining the league.
As the new WSL season gets underway, the league is brimming with fresh faces, bold ambitions, and countless storylines waiting to unfold. With England’s Euro 2025 heroes back in action, blockbuster transfers shaking up the status quo, and clubs both old and new raising the bar, one thing’s for sure: the 2025-26 campaign is set to deliver drama, excitement, and no shortage of memorable moments. Buckle up—this ride is just getting started.
