As the clock ticks down towards the WSL Deadline, Women’s Super League teams are working tirelessly to strengthen their squads before the summer transfer window closes on 13 September. With just hours to go, our senior women’s football reporter Emma Sanders has been answering your questions, providing the latest updates on the transfer market, and sharing her thoughts on the future of some of the league’s top players.
Keira Walsh: Will She Make a Return to England?
Keira Walsh, the England midfielder who currently plays for Barcelona, is reportedly keen to return home for personal reasons. According to Emma Sanders, Walsh has already informed the club that she does not intend to extend her contract when it expires next summer. This means that Barcelona will either lose her on a free in 12 months’ time or cash in on her this summer, with several clubs interested in signing her.
Arsenal have a longstanding interest in Walsh, while Chelsea are also in the market for a midfielder and have the funds to make a move. However, Barcelona are not prepared to name a price, and there is a general consensus that it would have to be a world-record fee for the club to consider any offer. As Emma Sanders notes, “We’re at a bit of a stand-off, basically.”
The window for any business is small, with Barcelona having a league game against Real Socieded just hours before the WSL transfer deadline. Fans will have to wait and see if Walsh makes a move back to England before the deadline closes.
Aitana Bonmati: Future in the WSL or Spain?
Another Barcelona player who has been making headlines is Aitana Bonmati. According to Emma Sanders, Bonmati is close to signing a new contract with Barcelona, one that will likely make her the highest-paid female player in the world. Bonmati has come through the club’s academy and lives and breathes Barcelona. Both parties have always wanted her to stay beyond her current deal, which expires next summer.
While there is no indication that Bonmati will leave Barcelona anytime soon, Emma Sanders notes that she has often challenged the Spanish league to continue developing and enjoys watching the competition in the WSL. Could we see her make a move to England in the future? Only time will tell.
For now, it seems that Bonmati is committed to Barcelona, and the club is keen to keep her. As one of the top players in the world, her future will be closely watched by fans and clubs alike.
Other Transfer News: Villa, Chelsea, and Palace
Meanwhile, other WSL teams are also working to strengthen their squads before the deadline. Aston Villa have reportedly completed the signing of Gabi Nunes in a record deal, which is expected to be confirmed soon.
Chelsea are also in the market for a midfielder, with several clubs interested in their young players. The club may consider loan options for some of their youth players, with conversations ongoing.
Cystal Palace, who are preparing for their debut WSL season, have been busy in the transfer window, adding several new players to their squad. While the jump up from the Women’s Championship to the WSL is huge, Emma Sanders believes that Palace have recruited strongly and could have enough to stay up.
Last-Minute Deals: Who Will Make a Move?
With just hours to go before the WSL Deadline, several teams are still working to complete last-minute deals. Everton are still exploring the market, with a short-term deal for goalkeeper Rylee Foster still unsigned.
Liverpool seem to be done with their business, having made three signings this summer. However, Emma Sanders notes that the club may consider letting some players leave on a permanent basis if any wild late offers come in.
Manchester City appear to be happy with their squad and do not expect to make any more signings before the deadline. However, as we all know, the transfer market can be unpredictable, and anything can happen in the final hours.
Teams to Watch: United, Spurs, and West Ham
Several teams are worth keeping an eye on in the final hours of the transfer window. Manchester United are prioritizing the signing of a new goalkeeper, with Leicester City’s Lize Kop their main target. However, the club has had to look elsewhere after Leicester made it clear that Kop was not for sale.
Tottenham are looking for a midfielder to cover for Kit Graham’s ACL injury but may not have enough time to secure a signing. The club is also considering its options for a new goalkeeper but may wait until January to make a move.
West Ham are expected to be busy in the final hours of the transfer window, with the club looking to bring in two new players to strengthen their squad. The team has lost more players than it has signed, and Emma Sanders notes that they “know they are light and need to sign players.”
With so much activity expected in the final hours of the transfer window, one thing is certain: the WSL Deadline will be an exciting and unpredictable time for fans of women’s football in the United States and around the world.