Chelsea are looking to land their fifth successive Women’s Super League crown but their title rivals could scupper those hopes with some big additions during the January transfer window.
The 12 WSL clubs have until 11pm GMT on January 31 to freshen up their squads and all eyes will be on Manchester United and England keeper Mary Earps, who has just six months left on her deal.
Earps, 30, is rumoured to be top of Arsenal’s shopping list but United could still persuade her to sign a new contract.
Should the Lionesses star opt to move on this month, she could spark a transfer scramble with Marc Skinner’s side being left looking for a new No1.
Our club-by-club guide to all the major moves will keep you up to date throughout what promises to be a busy month. Keep checking back here for all the latest news.
Arsenal
Emily Fox
Arsenal opened their January recruitment drive with the addition of United States international Emily Fox.
The right-back, 25, said: “It’s a huge honour to get the opportunity to represent this club and I’m excited to get started and play in front of our supporters.”
When you think of Arsenal, what comes to mind? 🎙️
“I think of excellence, I think of a global organisation, I think of family.” ❤️
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) January 11, 2024
Aston Villa
Noelle Maritz
Aston Villa’s first move of the January transfer window was to bring in Arsenal defender Noelle Maritz.
The 28-year-old, who made eight appearances for the Gunners this term, has been capped 113 times by Switzerland.
Villans head coach Carla Ward said: “Noelle comes with a wealth of experience at the highest level having played in the Champions League as well as winning trophies wherever she’s been.”
Welcome to Aston Villa, @NoelleMaritz! 🟣 pic.twitter.com/54DpWsjsny
— Aston Villa Women (@AVWFCOfficial) January 6, 2024
Brighton
Bristol City
Shae Yanez
Bristol City dipped their toe into the market to sign goalkeeper Shae Yanez from National Women’s Soccer League outfit San Diego Wave.
Yanez, 26, said: “I’m super excited to be here and I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“I’m glad we could get the deal done because it’s always been a dream to play in the WSL.”
Welcome to the #BarclaysWSL! 👋
🤝 @huboofulfilment pic.twitter.com/wHYGX5qVlp
— Bristol City Women (@bristolcitywfc) January 5, 2024
Chelsea
Nathalie Bjorn
Chelsea raided Everton for versatile Swedish defender Nathalie Bjorn for their first purchase of the January sales.
Bjorn, 26, said: “To sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe feels like part of a dream that you have when you are young. I’m very excited to get this journey started.”
Bjorn is a Blue. 😎 pic.twitter.com/CTFmoGQ1we
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 10, 2024
Everton
Rikke Madsen
Everton dipped into the transfer market to sign forward Rikke Madsen on an 18-month deal.
The Danish forward, 26, is looking forward to making an impact in England following a spell in the US with NWSL side North Carolina Courage.
She said: “I’ve been eager to get to this club and to play in this league. I cannot wait to get started.”
Smile if you’re buzzing to sign for Everton 😁 pic.twitter.com/lO08DjrD4M
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) January 13, 2024
Kathrine Moller Kuhl
Madsen followed Kathrine Moller Kuhl through the door following the young midfielder’s arrival on loan from Arsenal.
Expressing his delight at reuniting with the 20-year-old ace, Toffees boss Brian Sorensen said: “I took Kathrine up from the academy at Nordsjaelland and gave her debut.
“It’s a good loan agreement as we sign a player who has strengths with through balls, her dynamics and the hard work she does off the ball.”
Evertonians, meet Kathrine! 👋 pic.twitter.com/SE0xHPUTXm
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) January 13, 2024
Leicester
Saori Takarada
Leicester kicked off their wheeling and deaing with a move for midfielder Saori Takarada.
Signed from Linkoping FC on an 18-month deal, the 24-year-old Japan international’s arrival provided a timely boost for Willie Kirk’s squad.
Welcome to the Club, Saori! 👋 🇯🇵
We are delighted to announce the signing of Saori Takarada ✍️
— LCFC Women (@LCFC_Women) December 8, 2023
Yuka Momiki
The Foxes raided Linkoping FC once again to sign Japan international Yuka Momiki.
Momiki, 27, said: “I am so excited to be here and want to play as soon as possible.
“I want the fans to see how happy I am to be here and I can’t wait to see everyone.”
Yuka’s thoughts on what she can bring to Leicester 💭
— LCFC Women (@LCFC_Women) January 5, 2024
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Tottenham
Wang Shuang
Wang Shuang bolstered Tottenham’s squad when she arrived from NWSL side Racing Louisville on a deal running until 2026.
China midfielder Wang, who turns 29 on January 23, has appeared at three World Cups and won 123 caps for her country.
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Shuang Wang from Racing Louisville, subject to working visa and international clearance.
Welcome, Shuang! 🤍— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) December 8, 2023
Matilda Vinberg
Swedish midfielder Matilda Vinberg had a number of WSL clubs chasing her signature but opted to join Tottenham.
Vinberg, 20, said: “It feels amazing to be here. This is the best club I could possibly be at right now.”
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Sweden international Matilda Vinberg, subject to work permit and international clearance.
Welcome, Matilda! 🤍
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) January 2, 2024
Charlotte Grant
Spurs quickly dipped back into the market to sign defender Charlotte Grant from Swedish club Vittsjo GIK.
The Aussie full-back, 22, said: “It’s definitely a dream come true and I’m excited to get started.
“What we are building here at the club is very special and something I wanted to be a part of.”
West Ham
Kristie Mewis
West Ham got their January recruitment drive up and running by signing United States midfielder Kristie Mewis from NWSL champions NJ/NY Gotham FC.
The midfielder, 32, said: “I am delighted to be joining West Ham.
“I have always wanted to play in the WSL and now that everything has fallen into place it feels like a dream come true.”
Shelina Zadorsky
The Hammers followed up the signing of Mewis by snapping up defender Shelina Zadorsky on loan from London rivals Tottenham.
Canada international Zadorsky, 31, said: “I hope I can bring a new presence to the backline and help the team to more clean sheets in the second half of the season.”
Katrina Gorry
In a move that had been anticipated for some time, Katrina Gorry joined the Hammers as a free agent.
The combative midfielder, 31, said: “The Women’s Super League is the league everyone is speaking about at the moment.
“I want to challenge myself and play against and with the best players in the world.”
Our 2⃣2⃣ has a message for you! 🔊 pic.twitter.com/hameG4icf5
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) January 5, 2024