Women’s Super League Transfer Window: Anticipation Builds on Deadline Day

Forward Catarina Macario from the USA joined Chelsea in June 2023.

The Women’s Super League (WSL) transfer window is set to close on Tuesday, raising anticipation for last-minute activity. Clubs have been engaged in trade since January 2 and have until 23:00 GMT to finalize any outstanding deals.

Among the most significant transfers already completed, USA international Sam Coffey transitioned from Portland Thorns to Manchester City for a fee of £600,000. Additionally, Aston Villa secured Chelsea midfielder Oriane Jean-Francois for £450,000. Liverpool, currently at the bottom of the league, made headlines by breaking their record signing to acquire Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan for £300,000 from North Carolina Courage.

Are there more high-profile signings on the horizon?

Arsenal is strategically positioning itself for the summer, reportedly close to securing a pre-contract agreement with England international Georgia Stanway as her contract with Bayern Munich nears expiration. Moreover, they are in advanced talks with Barcelona full-back Ona Batlle for a free transfer in the summer.

Historically, the Gunners have made late-window acquisitions and are seeking additional midfielders. Could they surprise everyone on deadline day?

Chelsea’s initial bid for Nigerian midfielder Jennifer Echegini was rejected by Paris St-Germain. However, another attempt may be forthcoming, although with the French transfer window already closed, PSG may be reluctant to release her.

There are rumors regarding potential departures from Chelsea, with USA striker Catarina Macario drawing interest from National Women’s Super League (NWSL) clubs. Meanwhile, the future of German midfielder Sjoeke Nusken remains uncertain, though she is likely to remain at Chelsea unless circumstances change rapidly. Notably, Chelsea has yet to make any signings during this window, and manager Sonia Bompastor has expressed frustration over the team’s lack of depth.

In other developments, Manchester City defender Codie Thomas, aged 19, has reached a preliminary agreement for a loan deal with Glasgow City. London City Lionesses aim to complete one final addition before the deadline, but they still have work ahead, while Aston Villa has been exploring attacking options throughout the winter.

Everton is also active in the market, with Roma midfielder Zara Kramzar nearing a loan agreement that includes an obligation to buy. A medical examination is scheduled for Tuesday.

France forward Kelly Gago has expressed a desire to leave Everton, but her £500,000 release clause has not been met by interested parties.

West Ham has successfully fended off interest in striker Shekiera Martinez thus far, while Leicester City may see several young players departing on loan.

For more insights into the Women’s Super League, tune in to the Women’s Football Weekly podcast, featuring Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie, with new episodes released every Tuesday on BBC Sounds. Additional interviews and content related to the Women’s Super League are available on the Women’s Football Weekly feed.

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