The Women’s Super League (WSL) January transfer window has officially closed, with the deadline passing at 11 p.m. GMT (6 p.m. ET) on Thursday, so the 12 WSL teams have now finalised their squads for the second part of the campaign.
Chelsea were the biggest spenders, as they broke the women’s transfer world record to land USWNT defender Naomi Girma for £881,000 ($1.1 million), making her the first $1m women’s player ever, and they then splashed another £440,000 to land Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh.
As we close the book on this eventful window, let’s break down the winners and losers — those who nailed their recruitment strategy and those still left with gaps to fill.
Just when you thought Chelsea couldn’t look more formidable, they go and add two of the world’s best players into the mix. In signing midfielder Keira Walsh and defender Naomi Girma, Sonia Bompastor’s side addressed the two areas that most needed strengthening. With around £1.3m spent on just those two, the club have shown money is no object if there is the possibility of bringing in players who can make the team better.
Unbeaten in 20 games (with a record 11 wins from 12 games in the WSL), Chelsea already look like they have one hand on the league trophy. Girma and Walsh give them a better chance of winning the Champions League title that has thus far eluded them, though champions Barcelona — despite losing Walsh — remain clear favourites.
When you consider that the Blues have a number of key players, including star striker Sam Kerr, yet to return from injury, it feels like they are only going to improve in the second half of the season.
