The Barclays Women’s Super League season kicks off this week. Both the BWSL and BWSL2 get underway on Friday, with the top-flight expanding from 12 to 14 teams. The second tier, meanwhile, will remain at 12 teams.
That shouldn’t take away any of the excitement of the 2026/27 campaign. The BWSL2 will feature northeastern powerhouse trio Newcastle United, Sunderland and Durham. Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Leicester City will also face off in what should prove an exciting season.
In the BWSL, London City Lionesses will hope to gatecrash the title race having acquired star pair Alexia Putellas and Mary Earps in the off-season. Defending champions Manchester City will have to fend off Eder Maestre’s side, while Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are expected to pose a threat.
It’s also a season where the young players will look to explode onto the scene. With the BWSL and BWSL2 in the spotlight now more than ever, it’s the perfect opportunity for an up-and-coming star to make their mark. Here, we run through those hoping to leave a lasting impression this season.
Lisa Baum – Arsenal
Having caught the eye for RB Leipzig last season, scoring five times across 27 competitive appearances, it was hardly a surprise that a number of European sides were keeping tabs on Lisa Baum.
The 19-year-old, who came through the Hamburg ranks, has already received five caps for the Germany U23s. She’s got a bright future ahead of her. Arsenal, then, must have been thrilled to lure her to north London.
A tricky winger who looks to cut in from the right onto her wicked left foot, Baum may not be a starter for Gunners boss Renee Slegers, but she’s a handy option to call upon from the bench. And valued at just £6.5m and selected by just 3% of users, the teenage winger could be a handy Fantasy pick up, too.
Layla Drury – Manchester United
Back in January, Layla Drury became the youngest player to represent Manchester United Women following her second-half cameo in the FA Cup fourth round 5-0 win over Burnley. At 16 years and 220 days, Drury’s 76th-minute strike saw her become the club’s youngest ever goalscorer.
While the teenage forward has only featured sporadically for United, she penned her first ever professional contract earlier in the summer, tying her down until 2029, and for good reason. Drury is in line to become one of the BWSL’s most exciting young talents.
Marc Skinner’s exit in early August may impact her game time in the coming campaign. Conversely, successor Eva Olid would be wise to hand Drury a more prominent first-team spot in 2026/27. Priced up at just £4m on Fantasy, and selected by just 1% of users, Drury may be a handy wildcard option.
Giulia Dragoni – Chelsea
Giulia Dragoni spent the last two seasons in her native Italy. The 19-year-old moved to Roma on loan in 2024, joining the capital outfit from Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. While El Femini would have hoped to help Dragoni develop, Chelsea ultimately lured the teenager to London earlier this summer.
The Italian is renowned for her ball-carrying capability through the middle of the park. While also able to operate on the right, Dragoni’s best position is in central midfield. Here, she’s able to maximise her dribbling ability to punch a hole in the opposition defence.
With elite ball control and passing, Dragoni offers a new dimension to Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea side. She’d be a decent differential option on Fantasy at just £5m and picked by just 1% of users.
Mia McAuley – Aston Villa
Having excelled in the SPWL with Rangers, Aston Villa took the plunge on rising Scottish star Mia McAuley back in June. Having lost Kirsty Hanson to BWSL rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Villa will hope McAuley will help fill the attacking void.
It’s huge pressure on the 20-year-old’s shoulders. However, the young forward is one who can shoulder the burden. McAuley made her senior Rangers debut at the age of just 16 and went on to score 30 goals in 86 league outings for the Blue Belles.
Whether she makes an immediate impact remains to be seen. Saying that, McAuley has proven a hugely effective forward at club level. She carries a £4m price tag on Fantasy and has been selected by 0% of users. Jump on the McAuley train before her stocks begin to soar.
Mary Bashford – Southampton
Mary Bashford was a key play for Southampton in the BWSL2 last season. Atlanta Primus’ move to Sunderland further increases her importance for the south coast side.
The 21-year-old managed eight goals for Saints in the 2025/26 league campaign and she’s now expected to build upon a successful debut season for Southampton as they seek to improve on a fifth-place finish and secure a BWSL spot.
Unsurprisingly, Bashford is one of the more expensive Fantasy players, coming in at £7.5m. For her exploits, the midfielder would have earned 125 points last season. She’d be well worth the investment as she spearheads Southampton’s promotion push.
Princess Ademiluyi – Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town signed Princess Ademiluyi on loan from Gotham FC at the turn of the year, and she’ll remain on the Tractor Girls books until the end of 2026. The 20-year-old will hope the possibility of regular first-team football will see her live up to her potential.
Ademiluyi made West Ham United history in 2023 when she became the first player who had come through the club foundation’s Player Pathway to make her senior debut for the east London side. However, in the years since, she hasn’t quite had the chance to showcase her talent.
A speedy threat who plays on the shoulder of the last defender, the young forward should thrive for an Ipswich side that implements an energetic, high-intensity approach. Ademiluyi is currently available for £4.5m on Fantasy, and may be a decent addition if used properly by head coach David Wright.
Mao Itamura – Liverpool
Feyenoord took a punt on Mao Itamura last year, and their gamble paid off. The Japanese star scored 10 goals across 30 league appearances for the Dutch side, and her performances caught the eye of Liverpool.
The Reds secured the services of the Women’s Eredivisie Player of the Season in July. The 20-year-old is an exciting pick-up and then some. Renowned for her explosive one-on-one dribbling ability and close-control in tight areas, Itamura should prove a hit for Liverpool.
Few have placed their faith in Itamura on Fantasy. Indeed, she has been selected by 0% of users, but for a fee of £6.5m, she’s worth the gamble, especially if she can transfer her fine Eredivisie form to the BWSL.
