Window Shopping: What Every BWSL Club Needs This Summer
What business could we expect from BWSL clubs this summer?
The 2025/26 BWSL season is over, and what a campaign it was. Manchester City finally got their hands on the trophy again, claiming their first league title since 2016; Bunny Shaw led the scoring charts once more, doing what she does best.
At Arsenal, Olivia Smith announced herself in her first season at the club, and Alessia Russo continued to be one of the most versatile strikers in the division. Chelsea pushed hard until the end to ensure Champions League football, and Tottenham's young squad gave plenty of reason for optimism further down the table.
Now though, attention turns to the summer transfer window and the decisions that will shape next year's title race, European pushes, and relegation battles.
Using data from across the season, we've taken a club-by-club look at the numbers to identify the gaps in each squad. Some needs are obvious, while some are buried in the data. In this piece, we will discuss each club's needs heading into the window, from title challengers to those rebuilding after a difficult year.
Let’s get into it, starting with the champions:
Manchester City
Manchester City won the title, deservedly it has to be said. In his first season in the league, Andrée Jeglertz’s side averaged a league-high 2.78 xG per game.
Their title charge was undoubtedly led by their virtually unstoppable forward line. BWSL top scorer Bunny Shaw was right on the money, netting 20 goals from an xG of 19.6; on the right, Kerolin chipped in with 9 goals and 5 assists, while Lauren Hemp contributed 6 assists from left wing.
The question now is how they build on this, particularly with UWCL football to prepare for.
Looking at the squad, the most pressing issue is at left back. Leila Ouahabi's departure leaves a gap on that side, and while Alex Greenwood is more than capable of playing there, relying on her to play every minute across a domestic and European campaign is a risk.
Whilst Shaw’s output has been incredibly impressive, it does perhaps show how dependent City are on her staying fit. Miedema can play up front but has had to endure her own injury issues this season, so adding depth in attack will be important if they are to compete on multiple fronts next season.
Arsenal
Arsenal finished second, four points behind City, and the Gunners will be keen to go one better next season. The core of their attack remains strong; Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius contributed 23 league goals between them, and with a supporting cast that includes Frida Maanum, Olivia Smith and Chloe Kelly, Renée Slegers has plenty to work with.
The more pressing problems for Arsenal are elsewhere. There’s a Katie McCabe-shaped hole at left back that needs to be addressed. The Republic of Ireland captain is one of the most complete full-backs in the league, contributing at both ends of the pitch, so finding a two-way replacement who can defend, carry the ball and get forward in the way she did will be no small task.
Arsenal are a team that like to build through the middle, and much of that responsibility falls to Mariona Caldentey and Kim Little, who, between them, have been a joy to watch this season. However, to maintain a title challenge, Slegers will want options.
What Arsenal need is a midfielder who can receive in tight spaces, play forward quickly, and handle the weight of the ball in a side that dominates possession. They need to bring in players to share the load with two of the best in the business.
Chelsea
Whilst the 2025/26 campaign did not go to plan for the eight-time BWSL champions, Chelsea did secure Champions League football and will go into next season with one of the most exciting attacks in English football. Alyssa Thompson, Lauren James, Aggie Beever-Jones and Wieke Kaptein are all 22 or under and have the ability to be game changers for Sonia Bompastor.
The headline issue this summer is finding a replacement for Sam Kerr. The Australian captain leaves having scored 7 goals from just 803 minutes this season, a return that underlines just how clinical she was when fit.
While the young forward line gives the manager plenty to work with, none of them have produced goal outputs to match Kerr at her best for the Blues. Beever-Jones is perhaps the most likely candidate to play as the central striker and has shown plenty of promise over the last couple of seasons, but Chelsea need another striker who can lead the line as the number of games increases next season.
The arrival of Katie McCabe strengthens the full-back options, allowing Sandy Baltimore to potentially be deployed higher up the pitch. With Erin Cuthbert and Keira Walsh providing a solid midfield base, the rest of the squad looks in reasonable shape. Whether Niamh Charles departs or stays will be one to watch, but in attack, getting Sam Kerr’s replacement right is where Chelsea's summer will be won or lost.
Manchester United
Following their first-ever venture into European football, United finished fourth, and Marc Skinner will feel there is much more to come from this squad. There is real quality throughout; Jess Park was one of the standout wide players in the league, contributing 6 goals and 5 assists from the right, and the midfield has real personality in Julia Zigiotti Olme and the impressive Hinata Miyazawa.
However, the midfield is one area of concern for Manchester United, but it’s more about load than quality. Hinata Miyazawa logged over 2000 minutes this season, and her defensive numbers are exceptional.
The Japanese international averaged 6.96 possession-adjusted interceptions per 90 minutes, underscoring how much defensive responsibility she carries. However, United struggled when Miyazawa was away at the Asia Cup, and it became apparent they need someone who can share that burden and allow her to do what she does best without running herself into the ground.
On the left, Leah Galton's departure means some cover and competition in that area would perhaps be welcome. In the centre of attack, Melvine Malard and Elisabeth Terland both finished the season with 6 goals apiece, but both underperformed their xG. The January additions of Schüller and Wangerheim go some way to addressing this, but if they are going to challenge for UWCL football next season, Marc Skinner needs his attackers to be firing on all cylinders.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham had a season to be proud of. Martin Ho’s side secured fifth place with a young squad and some real talent emerging throughout. Cathinka Tandberg announced herself as one of the most exciting young strikers in the league, and Olivia Holdt emerged as the key player, contributing 8 goals and 2 assists, giving Spurs something to build on next season.
Beth England is arguably the biggest departure at Spurs, but the club has moved quickly to secure a replacement. The signing of Shekiera Martinez from West Ham is an astute piece of business; the German striker scored 6 goals from 6.1 xG last season, as clean a conversion profile as you will find, and she should slot in well alongside Tandberg.
At the back, the signing of Caitlin Dijkstra from Wolfsburg is equally encouraging. Centre-back depth was a concern heading into the summer, but it appears as though Spurs have secured one of their top targets.
Additionally, with Maika Hamano returning to Chelsea, another attacking option could also be on the agenda. Tottenham are building a promising squad and could be one to watch when it comes to challenging for a UWCL spot next season.
London City Lionesses
London City finished sixth in their debut BWSL season. Whilst it was a season to be proud of, the Lionesses have already made clear their ambitions for UWCL football, and if they are to make that a reality, they will know there is work to do this summer.
Freya Godfrey was one of the most exciting young wide players in the league, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists, and the more experienced Nikita Parris chipped in with 4 goals and 3 assists from the left, giving Eder Maestre something to build on.
Looking ahead, there are a few areas where they could do with bringing in some reinforcements, starting with in front of goal. London City averaged 1.53 xG per game but scored 1.27, so by no means a big underperformance, but if Maestre’s side are going to push on, they will need to find some consistency in the final third.
Isobel Goodwin is the most obvious example; she netted 5 goals from an xG of 8.77, which is a pretty big amount of expected output left on the pitch, and with Asllani out long term, adding another striker to the ranks has to be the priority.
In midfield, creativity has been an issue all season. Record signing Grace Geyoro struggled to influence games in the same way we saw at PSG so it’s fair to say London City will most likely need someone who can unlock defences and supply the forwards.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton had a solid season in seventh, and there is plenty to like about this squad. Chiamaka Nnadozie was one of the standout goalkeepers in the league, posting a save rate of 76.14% and preventing over five goals relative to expectation. Kiko Seike was brilliant too, contributing 8 goals and 2 assists and carrying the attack with real quality.
Brighton will fancy their chances of pushing higher up the table next season, and key to that will be finding someone to score the goals. Madison Haley found herself in good positions all season, netting 4 goals from an xG of 8.01, but in order to push on, the Seagulls could do with someone to share the load.
In midfield, Symonds and Canković have been solid contributors this season, providing a good platform for the team to retain possession. Perhaps one more creative option in that area would give Brighton the extra spark they need to push on and challenge for a top five spot next season.
The foundations are good though. With Nnadozie in goal and Seike up front, plus a couple of additions in the summer window, Brighton could be the team to watch next season.
Everton
The Toffees had something of a difficult season, finishing eighth after a tough run of form in the second half of the year. There is plenty of young talent here though, with the likes of Ornella Vignola, Martina Fernández, and Rosa van Gool all logging significant minutes.
Plus, Courtney Brosnan was one of the best goalkeepers in the league, posting a save rate of 74.73% and conceding 25 goals from an xGC of 30. Moreover, Fernández and Ruby Mace have looked a solid centre-back pairing all season, complementing each other very well in the heart of defence.
The issue is goals, or rather the lack of them. Everton finished the season with 25 goals scored. Vignola, Hayashi, and Gago all finished with 4 goals apiece, which suggests a lack of a genuine focal point.
What Everton need is a creative spark either in the middle of the park or out wide. A player who can offer creativity and chip in with a goal threat. Someone who can take the ball and drive at defenders, and either find the net or pick out a teammate in a dangerous position. If they can add this kind of profile, combined with the young core already in place, it could make them a much more dangerous side next season.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa will be looking to improve on this season’s ninth-place finish. The squad has some decent building blocks; Lynn Wilms contributed 2 goals and 5 assists from right back, Anna Patten was solid at centre back, and Rachel Daly chipped in with 3 goals from her attacking midfield role, meaning Natalia Arroyo has plenty to work with here.
The concern, though, is the possibility that they might lose Kirsty Hanson. The forward scored 12 goals this season, and with reports suggesting she could be on her way out, Villa face a significant problem. No other striker came close to her output, and finding a replacement would be the most important piece of business any BWSL club does this summer.
In midfield, they relied heavily on the three central midfielders to drive the team forward; Miriael Taylor, Lucia Kendall, and Oriane Jean-François, but they combined for just 3 goals and 2 assists all season. A midfielder who can add some creativity and goalscoring threat from central areas would make a significant difference.
West Ham United
West Ham endured a difficult season, finishing tenth with 19 points, meaning there is significant work to do this summer. The departures of Shekiera Martinez and Katrina Gorry leave two sizeable holes to fill. Martinez was their most reliable striker; without her, West Ham need to find a striker who can provide extra goal threat in the final third.
The biggest problem the Hammers faced this season, though, was their defence; they were too easy to score against, conceding 45 goals. Estelle Cascarino provided some much-needed defensive strength when she joined on loan in January.
With her loan at an end, the team is back in the market for more defensive options, which would give the side a much more solid foundation to build from, and without that reinforcement, it is difficult to see how West Ham avoid another uncomfortable season.
Liverpool
Gareth Taylor’s first season in charge of the Reds didn’t go as he would have hoped. The former Manchester City manager saw his team finish eleventh with just 17 points on the board.
The goals were hard to come by, bagging just 21 across the season, and the creative output through the middle was limited. There were some positives, though.
The January additions of Alice Bergström and Aurélie Csillag showed intent, and both are promising young players who could develop into important members of the squad.
Mia Enderby, too, at just 20, had an encouraging season from wide areas. The foundations of something are starting to appear, particularly in the younger players coming through.
With Jennifer Falk returning to her parent club, Liverpool need a goalkeeper; a reliable first-choice between the posts is most likely their top priority. Ensuring the team has a solid defensive base will be key to their performances next season. Risa Shimizu is likely to return to Manchester City following her loan spell, and the departures of Gemma Bonner and Gemma Evans mean defenders are also likely to be sought after by the Reds.
Up front, Beata Olsson's 6 goals were built on an xG of just 3.70, meaning she outperformed her expected output significantly, so ensuring there is a team around her that can create enough opportunities is also important.
Birmingham City
Birmingham City enjoyed a stellar campaign, claiming the BWSL 2 title. Lily Crosthwaite was their standout performer, while Veatriki Sarri added 7 goals and 2 assists to the cause. Between them, they gave Birmingham a real attacking threat that most sides in this division could not live with. The January arrival of Wilma Leidhammar bolstered the attack and made Birmingham City look almost unplayable at various points during the second half of the season.
The question now is how they prepare for life in the BWSL. The step up in quality will be significant, and Amy Merricks will know the squad that won this title needs reinforcing across the board. Additional quality across the pitch will be needed if they are to establish themselves in the top flight.
Additional creative output in the middle of the park will be needed against top-flight opposition. Defensively, the Blues will face a significant step up in quality; adding an experienced head into the mix would most likely bring some additional defensive security.
It’s an exciting time for Birmingham City and their supporters. If they get the recruitment right this summer, there is no reason why they cannot be a real force in the top flight next season.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace were worthy runners-up and will head into the BWSL with real confidence. Weerden was arguably their player of the season, while both Abbie Larkin and Kirsty Howat hit 8 goals apiece, giving Palace a goal threat throughout the squad.
The challenge now is the same as Birmingham's; preparing for a significantly higher level of football. Palace were well organised and effective in BWSL 2, but the top flight will demand higher quality across the board.
Midfield reinforcement feels like the priority My Cato and Hayley Ladd were steady, but could do with some added creativity in the middle of the park, and Palace will need more from central areas against BWSL opposition.
Additionally, Elise Hughes is departing the club, meaning depth up front will also be a priority for the Eagles. It will likely be a busy summer in South London as Palace will want to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight upon their return to the top flight.
Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic had a brilliant season, finishing third before securing promotion through the play-offs in a very memorable penalty shootout. It was a deserved reward for a side that were hard to beat throughout the campaign, and the defensive numbers back that up.
Lia Lobato and Elisha N'Dow both had important roles in promotion thanks to their performances at centre back, with Lobato's defensive duel win rate of 80.49% one of the standout figures in the division.
Going forward, though, Charlton will need more. The goals were shared across the squad rather than flowing from one or two focal points, and while that can be a strength, at BWSL level they will need players capable of consistently producing higher outputs.
Additional pace and creativity out wide would really give Karen Hills’ side the opportunity to hit teams on the counter, which will most likely be their best opportunity to pick up significant points in the top flight.
In midfield, the creative output from central areas was limited. Adding a midfielder who can both win the ball and unlock defences would give Charlton a real platform to build from in their first BWSL season.
Conclusion
Every summer brings with it the promise of something new, and this one is no different. From Manchester City looking to defend their title on multiple fronts, to newly promoted sides looking to establish themselves, the BWSL transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most active in recent memory.
Some clubs have specific needs; a left back here, a creative midfielder there. Others face more significant rebuilds, but that’s the beauty of the transfer window. This is where ambitions are set, and statements are made for the upcoming season.
One thing is for certain, though; the gap between the top and the bottom of the league is closing, and the clubs that do their business smartly this summer will be best placed to take advantage. It promises to be a fascinating few months. We will be watching closely.
Word credit: Beth Limb