The 2025 Women's Super League (WSL) summer transfer window was nothing short of dramatic, with clubs breaking the world transfer record twice and several high-profile deals going down to the wire. Here's a detailed look at the winners and losers of this window.

Winners

Chelsea

Chelsea once again proved why they are considered one of the elite clubs in women's football. They secured Australia right-back Ellie Carpenter from Lyon, reuniting her with former manager Sonia Bompastor. The Blues also bolstered their future with rising talents Mara Alber and Livia Peng, the Switzerland goalkeeper who shone at Euro 2025. The cherry on top was the signing of USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson from NWSL side Angel City for $1.5 million (£1.1m) on a five-year deal. Thompson's arrival elevates Chelsea to a new level, making them even more formidable.

Arsenal

Arsenal made headlines with the $1.4m (£1m) signing of 21-year-old Canadian sensation Olivia Smith from Liverpool, setting a new world record in July. However, their other moves were equally strategic. They secured England winger Chloe Kelly on a free transfer after her loan from Manchester City and added Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds on a free as reliable defensive cover. Fresh off their Champions League triumph, Arsenal's window reflects smart, strategic recruitment.

London City

Newly promoted London City wasted no time making waves in the transfer market. With owner Michele Kang's investment, they signed 16 players, including seasoned internationals like Daniëlle van de Donk, Alanna Kennedy, and Elena Linari. They capitalized on Barcelona's financial struggles to snap up Jana Fernández on a free and triggered Lucía Corrales' €500,000 release clause. In a dramatic deadline-day move, they smashed the world transfer record by landing Grace Geyoro from PSG for €1.65m ($1.9m). London City have assembled a fiercely competitive XI and look ready to challenge at the top of the league.

Losers

Manchester United

Manchester United's summer business was limited to just three signings, which is concerning given their thin squad and looming UEFA Women's Champions League campaign. Manager Marc Skinner stressed the need for attacking reinforcements, but glaring gaps remain in defense. The arrivals of ex-Barcelona star Fridolina Rolfö, Sweden international Julia Zigiotti Olme, and England midfielder Jess Park bring quality but don't fix the squad balance issues. Losing Grace Clinton to City further compounds their problems.

Leicester City

Sacking manager Amandine Miquel 11 days before the season started was a questionable move. With no replacement lined up, making signings became a challenge. Interim manager Rick Passmoor was given only a few days before the window closed, resulting in last-minute signings like Olivia McLoughlin, Cecily Wellesley-Smith, and Emily van Egmond. These additions lack both quality and cohesion, leaving Leicester set for a difficult season.

Liverpool

Despite the men's team spending over £450m this summer, the women's team saw minimal investment. After Olivia Smith's move to Arsenal, Liverpool had £1m available but failed to adequately replace key departures. The appointment of former Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor didn't translate into significant transfer activity. With a core group of players retained but past injury struggles highlighting the squad's thinness, Liverpool looks underwhelming heading into the new season.

Conclusion

The 2025 WSL summer transfer window was a mix of strategic brilliance and missed opportunities. While clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and London City strengthened their squads significantly, others like Manchester United, Leicester City, and Liverpool struggled to make impactful moves. The season ahead promises to be exciting, with new signings set to make their mark.