Alexia Putellas, Georgia Stanway, and 10 Key Signings Set to Shape the 2026-27 Women’s Super League Season

This summer transfer window has seen a remarkable influx of talent into England's Women’s Super League, enhancing its reputation as one of the strongest leagues globally. Big names like two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and former Lionesses star Georgia Stanway have made headline-grabbing moves, while many clubs have also secured promising young players ready to make their mark in the upcoming season.

Beth England Strengthens Crystal Palace

Newly promoted Crystal Palace have added experienced striker Beth England to boost their survival chances. After prolific spells at Chelsea and Tottenham, where she scored 12 goals in 12 appearances during a tough period, England’s leadership and goal-scoring ability could prove crucial in helping Palace avoid relegation.

"You do have to adapt... At Spurs, you might get one chance, and if you don’t take it, that’s all you’ve got," England told GOAL last season. "It’s just growing as an individual and knowing that without the ball, you have to do the dirty work."

Georgia Stanway Returns to Arsenal

Arsenal have added much-needed depth in midfield by signing Stanway, who spent four successful years at Bayern Munich winning eight major trophies. Her versatility and experience will help reduce the burden on Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey, bolstering Arsenal’s hopes of clinching their first WSL title since 2019.

Mao Itamura Joins Liverpool

Liverpool secured the 20-year-old Japanese midfielder Mao Itamura, who was the Eredivisie Player of the Year in 2025-26 with Feyenoord. Known for her creativity and goal threat, Itamura showed promise in pre-season and looks set to inject fresh energy into a Liverpool side eager to climb the league table.

Everton Targets Attack with Holly McNamara

After finishing eighth last season, Everton have focused on strengthening their forward line, highlighted by the signing of Australian striker Holly McNamara. The two-time A-League Golden Boot winner impressed with 45 goals in 66 appearances for Melbourne City and has earned praise from fellow Matildas stars who believe she can thrive in the WSL.

Alexia Putellas Joins Ambitious London City Lionesses

Perhaps the biggest signing of the summer is Putellas's move to London City Lionesses. Coming off a quadruple-winning season with Barcelona and likely to win her third Ballon d’Or, Putellas brings world-class talent and leadership to a club backed by Michele Kang’s investment, aiming to rapidly improve their standing after finishing sixth last season.

Alanna Kennedy, her teammate, noted Putellas' leadership: "She wants to help."

Niamh Charles Strengthens Manchester City's Left Side

Manchester City signed left-back Niamh Charles, a five-time WSL champion with Chelsea. This addition addresses a defensive weakness from last season, adding both quality and experience as City look to maintain their domestic success and compete in the Champions League.

Coach Andree Jeglertz said, "She’s a great personality and has quality as a left-back, both defensively and offensively."

Manaka Matsukubo Brings Creativity to Chelsea

Former NWSL Midfielder of the Year Manaka Matsukubo joined Chelsea on a five-year deal after a standout season with North Carolina Courage. Known for her technical skill and speed, Matsukubo is expected to fill the creative gap in Chelsea’s attack, which struggled last season.

Chelsea defender Nathalie Bjorn praised her, saying, "She’s so fast with her feet and you think you have the ball, but you don’t."

Mary Earps Returns to London City Lionesses

Goalkeeper Mary Earps rejoined the WSL with London City, bringing invaluable experience despite being behind Putellas and others in star power. Last season, London City conceded 35 goals, among the highest in the league, and Earps’ arrival should strengthen their defense significantly.

Lia Walti Bolsters Brighton’s Midfield

Brighton brought in Swiss international Lia Walti, a seasoned midfielder with experience winning the WSL and Champions League with Arsenal and Juventus. Her leadership and game control are expected to help Brighton build on their impressive FA Cup final run last season.

Former coach Dario Vidosic said, "She’s a terrific person and a player girls will look up to."

Alice Sombath Adds Defensive Quality to Tottenham

Tottenham paid a club-record fee to sign defender Alice Sombath, who made over 100 appearances for Lyon, Europe’s most successful women’s club. She brings experience learned alongside icons like Wendie Renard and adds much-needed depth to Tottenham’s defense, which conceded 38 goals last season.

Spurs midfielder Drew Spence said, "She learned a lot from Renard and brings that high-level experience to our team."

Significant Transfers Shaping the Upcoming WSL Season

• Beth England: Striker for Crystal Palace, known for scoring and leadership.
• Georgia Stanway: Midfielder returning to Arsenal from Bayern Munich.
• Mao Itamura: Creative midfielder joining Liverpool from Feyenoord.
• Holly McNamara: Prolific Australian forward signing with Everton.
• Alexia Putellas: World-class midfielder moving to London City Lionesses.
• Niamh Charles: Experienced left-back signing for Manchester City.
• Manaka Matsukubo: Versatile Japanese midfielder joining Chelsea.
• Mary Earps: Goalkeeper returning to London City Lionesses.
• Lia Walti: Swiss midfielder strengthening Brighton’s squad.
• Alice Sombath: Defender arriving at Tottenham from Lyon.