The strength of the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (BWSL2) has been reflected once again in the eye-catching transfer activity witnessed this summer.
From marquee signings to important contract renewals, all 12 clubs have been active as the division prepares to welcome a host of new, exciting names.
Here, with only a few days to go until the 2026-27 season kicks off, we take a look at one debutant per team who is looking to make an impact in the BWSL2.
Eilidh Shore (Bristol City)
After developing a reputation as one of the best midfielders in Scotland, Eilidh Shore has taken on a new challenge in England with promotion chasers Bristol City.
The 24-year-old registered 18 goals and 12 assists in 113 SWPL 1 games for Aberdeen and Hearts, helping the latter win their maiden league title last season.
Described by former Hearts and current Manchester United boss Eva Olid as a “complete” player, Shore joins a star-studded City midfield which includes 2025-26 BWSL2 Team of the Season member Emily Syme and Wales icon Sophie Ingle.
Charlie Chadwick (Burnley)
It was imperative that Burnley were able to retain the services of Charlie Chadwick after she helped fire them to promotion to the BWSL2 last season.
With 18 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, the Clarets moved quickly to tie the 20-year-old to a new two-year deal – a decision which took on extra significance following the departure of Player of the Season and top goalscorer Millie Ravening.
Having earned her stripes in the Northern Premier Division, it will be fascinating to see whether Chadwick can replicate her goalscoring heroics in the second tier.
Rachel Lowe (Durham)
One of four Australians competing in the BWSL2, Durham recruit Rachel Lowe is looking to scale new heights in England after a decade in the A-League.
The midfielder heads to the north east in great spirits after posting 19 goals and seven assists in the last three seasons with Melbourne Victory, winning their Player of the Year award – known as the Victory medal – for 2026.
Aged 25 and at the peak of her powers, Lowe could be the catalyst for a Durham side who are looking to improve on last season’s 10th-place finish in the BWSL2.
Rosie Livingstone (Ipswich Town)
Ipswich Town are one of the teams to watch in the BWSL2 this season after acquiring six stars from the SWPL, including exciting winger Rosie Livingstone.
The 20-year-old recorded an impressive 13 goal contributions (five goals, eight assists) in 2025-26, putting her alongside Jenna Slattery (17), Eilidh Adams (17) and Georgia Timms (23) – three of her new team-mates in East Anglia.
Livingstone also proved she is a big-game player, with six of her goal contributions coming against Scottish giants Glasgow City, Rangers, Celtic and Hearts.
Paulina Nystrom (Leicester City)
Leicester City have boosted their hopes of an automatic return to the BWSL with the signing of Paulina Nystrom from Swedish powerhouse BK Hacken.
The 26-year-old can inject goals into a Foxes side that have lost Shannon O’Brien and Noemie Mouchon – their top two goalscorers in the BWSL last season – to Crystal Palace and Everton respectively this summer.
Nystrom arrives at the King Power Stadium having helped Hacken win the inaugural Europa Cup in May, scoring 20 times in 67 games for Elena Sadiku’s side.
Hildur Antonsdottir (Newcastle United)
A player who head coach Tanya Oxtoby says is “outstanding” in possession, Hildur Antonsdottir could be the difference in Newcastle United’s push for promotion.
With four assists in Liga F last term, the former Madrid CFF midfielder can help the Magpies secure more wins this term, having racked up the most draws (9) in the BWSL2 last season despite averaging the third highest amount of possession (57.2%).
And with 347 appearances for club and country, the 30-year-old Iceland international can use her experience to help Newcastle manage tight games, with Oxtoby’s side having kept just four clean sheets in the BWSL in 2025-26.
Tuva Espas (Nottingham Forest)
For the first time in her career, Tuva Espas will play outside of her native Norway after securing what she describes as a “huge” move to Nottingham Forest.
The striker arrives with strong pedigree from her time at Valerenga, with whom she competed in the Champions League and scored five goals in 14 games this season.
And Forest are hoping Espas can be the lynchpin in an attack that produced just 27 goals last season, despite averaging more possession (59.4%) than anyone else.
Chloe Warrington (Sheffield United)
Sheffield United have pulled off a coup by signing Chloe Warrington following her exit from Scottish heavyweights Glasgow City.
The 24-year-old full-back helped City win their 16th SWPL 1 title in 2022-23 and also represented the club in the Champions League and the Europa Cup.
A “tenacious” player by her own admission, Warrington has the spirit required to help a United side who conceded 43 goals (second highest) in the BWSL2 last term.
Laura Hughes (Southampton)
Fresh from helping Melbourne City win the A-League Grand Final in May, Laura Hughes is looking to achieve more success with new club Southampton.
The 25-year-old Wales international arrives at the perfect time for Saint boss Simon Parker, who is rebuilding his midfield following the summer departures of Aimee Palmer and Atlanta Primus.
Agile, two-footed and keen to progress play, Hughes will look to feed the likes of Mary Bashford, Ellie Brazil and Michaela McAlonie with penetrative through balls.
Kassandra Missipo (Sunderland)
From Belgium to Switzerland to Italy and now England, the globetrotting Kassandra Missipo is looking to shine for Sunderland in her debut season in the BWSL2.
The 28-year-old, who has also represented Belgium at Euro 2022 and 2025, joins the Lasses after helping Sassuolo retain their Serie A Femminile status last season, scoring two goals and playing in every single game (22/22).
Following the arrivals of Missipo and the aforementioned Primus, Sunderland – who also have Katie Kitching, Natasha Fenton and Marissa Sheva on the books – now possess one of the strongest midfields in the BWSL2.
Eva Gray (Watford)
Life is pretty good right now for Eva Gray, who is ready to step up to the BWSL2 after signing her first professional contract with newly-promoted Watford.
In a whirlwind few months, the 18-year-old has helped the Golden Girls win the National League Southern Premier Division title in May, while initially on a dual registration deal from Arsenal, before sitting her A-Level exams in June.
Gray, a full-back by trade who also played as a winger for Watford last term, was named the club’s Young Player of the Season after recording one goal and eight assists in 25 appearances for Renee Hector’s side.
Anna Morphet (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
One of the feel-good stories of the BWSL2, Anna Morphet will get her first taste of the second tier after captaining Wolverhampton Wanderers to promotion last term.
The left-sided centre-back has been a stalwart in the Old Gold backline since joining from Aston Villa in 2018, making 194 appearances for a club who have risen from the fourth division under her leadership.
And what makes this story extra special is the fact that Wolves themselves are preparing for their first BWSL2 campaign, with Dan McNamara’s side having beaten Plymouth Argyle 1-0 in the National League promotion play-off final.
