Insights on Women’s Super League Transfers and Future Prospects

Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas has been crowned the Ballon d’Or winner in both 2021 and 2022.

With the transfer deadline now behind us, teams in the Women’s Super League (WSL) are gearing up for the remainder of the season.

Emma Sanders, a women’s football news reporter for BBC Sport, recently engaged with fans on Reddit, answering a variety of questions about the transfer window, Chelsea’s surprising inactivity, and the future of Spanish superstar Alexia Putellas.

**Q. As a newcomer to women’s football, I still don’t know how/why only some transfer fees are released and if they are accurate. How is this information sourced by the BBC?**
**Emma:** It’s a major challenge for us! Clubs typically do not disclose transfer fees, which forces us to rely heavily on our sources. Some clubs are cooperative and may confirm fees off the record, but there are often discrepancies between what different clubs report. Ideally, FIFA would release all transfer fees to enhance transparency for fans regarding club expenditures, as they are invested too.

**Q. Have you ever been completely blindsided by a transfer announcement?**
**Emma:** Absolutely! The pool of professionals fully dedicated to women’s football media is relatively small, especially in national broadcasting. Consequently, keeping track of every transfer can be challenging. While things have improved with increased coverage of the women’s game, there have been instances where I was caught off guard by a transfer.

**Q. What are your thoughts on the rumors of Alexia Putellas potentially joining the London City Lionesses this summer?**
**Emma:** The upcoming months will indeed be captivating regarding Putellas’ future. She has the option to join almost any club globally, including staying at Barcelona. Recent information suggests that she is still weighing her options, but there has certainly been interest from WSL clubs, including the ambitious London City Lionesses.

**Q. Is it surprising that Chelsea remained quiet during the transfer window?**
**Emma:** Very much so. Given their current position in the WSL title race, along with squad injuries, they clearly needed to strengthen their lineup before the Champions League quarter-finals. I found their inactivity disappointing.

**Q. Any updates on Katie McCabe and Arsenal? Where do you think she should go?**
**Emma:** With McCabe’s contract nearing its end and no discussions regarding a renewal, her departure seems likely. Although she has not made a definitive choice, she has several options. I believe she is still capable of playing in the Champions League, and it would be ideal for her to remain in Europe, preferably in the WSL. Manchester City could be a suitable fit, albeit a contentious choice for fans.

**Q. Was there interest in Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova or a transfer request?**
**Emma:** Pelova is among several players whose contracts will expire this summer at Arsenal, leaving her future uncertain. I have not heard of a formal transfer request, but it would be surprising if she doesn’t move. The club is entering a transitional phase, particularly with targets like Georgia Stanway and Ona Batlle on their radar.

**Q. Are there any updates regarding Bunny Shaw’s contract?**
**Emma:** I’m keeping a close eye on that. The last update indicated that discussions were positive, but the lack of an agreement is concerning. I would be surprised if she decides to leave.

**Q. What are your thoughts on Brighton’s transfer activity this January? They seemed quite muted. Are they satisfied with their squad? Any information on Fran Kirby?**
**Emma:** Personally, I believe Brighton is lacking in forward positions and could have benefited from being more active in the transfer market. Their recruitment strategy is data-driven, and while they may have missed out on a target, a busy summer is expected. Many clubs are preparing for significant changes this season due to the absence of major European tournaments. Regarding Kirby, Italian media reported Juventus made offers, but I understand Brighton was not willing to sell her at any price this January.

Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, alongside interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and beyond.

Stay updated with the latest WSL news on our dedicated page.