Kenya Sport

Key Signings Shaping the 2026-27 Women's Super League Season

The 2026-27 Women’s Super League has attracted some of the biggest stars and promising talents in women’s football. Noteworthy arrivals include two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and England internationals like Georgia Stanway, alongside emerging players who might soon become household names.

Beth England (Crystal Palace)

Newly promoted Crystal Palace have strengthened their attack by signing the experienced striker Beth England. After a prolific spell at Chelsea, where she scored 71 goals in 152 appearances and won 10 trophies, England impressed at Tottenham with 12 goals in 12 WSL games during 2023. Her leadership and adaptability will be vital as Palace aim to stay up after struggling in their last top-flight campaign.

"You do have to adapt, you do have to appreciate there’s times where you’re going to suffer a lot more without the ball," England said, highlighting how she adjusted from playing for a dominant team to a side fighting for survival.

Georgia Stanway (Arsenal)

Stanway returns to the WSL after four years with Bayern Munich, bringing elite midfield quality to Arsenal. Her arrival reduces reliance on Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey, providing depth and experience that could help Arsenal challenge for their first league title since 2019.

Mao Itamura (Liverpool)

Itamura, the 2025-26 Eredivisie Player of the Year, joins Liverpool following a standout season at Feyenoord with eight goals and six assists. At just 20, she has already shown her ability to change matches and will aim to revitalize Liverpool’s attack after a difficult previous season.

Holly McNamara (Everton)

Australia’s Golden Boot winner for two consecutive seasons in the A-League, McNamara arrives to spearhead Everton’s revamped attack. She replaces outgoing forwards who collectively contributed little last season. Teammates and fellow Australians praise her potential to make an immediate impact in the WSL.

Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses)

One of the most significant signings in WSL history, Putellas joins London City Lionesses after a stellar season with Barcelona, winning the quadruple and earning Champions League Player of the Season. Backed by substantial investment, London City aims to climb the table with Putellas leading on and off the pitch, especially in mentoring younger players.

Niamh Charles (Manchester City)

Charles, a five-time WSL champion with Chelsea, moves to Manchester City to strengthen the left-back position. Her experience and quality both defensively and offensively fill a gap that City struggled with last season as they defend their recent title and compete in the Champions League.

Manaka Matsukubo (Chelsea)

Matsukubo, named NWSL Midfielder of the Year in 2025, joins Chelsea with a reputation for creativity and scoring ability. The 22-year-old Japan international is expected to bring more attacking flair to a Chelsea side that had its lowest scoring WSL season in seven years.

Chelsea defender Nathalie Bjorn praised Matsukubo’s skills: "She is so fast with her feet and you think you have the ball, but you don’t. We need that creative player in the final third."

Mary Earps (London City Lionesses)

Returning to the WSL from Paris Saint-Germain, former England goalkeeper Earps brings valuable experience to London City. The club struggled defensively last season, conceding 35 goals in 22 matches. Earps’ presence is expected to improve their defensive record and aid the development of young keeper Elene Lete.

Lia Walti (Brighton)

Walti strengthens Brighton’s midfield after a season at Juventus and was part of Arsenal’s 2019 WSL-winning squad. Known for her leadership and game control, she arrives to help build on Brighton’s solid 2025-26 season that saw them reach the FA Cup final and secure seventh place in the league.

Alice Sombath (Tottenham)

Tottenham’s record signing, Sombath, brings experience from over 100 appearances with Lyon, one of Europe’s top clubs. The 22-year-old defender adds much-needed depth to a Spurs back line that conceded 38 goals last season, aiming to bolster their defense under new coach Martin Ho.

  • Beth England: 11 goals in 26 caps for England, 71 goals for Chelsea, strong leadership.
  • Georgia Stanway: Experienced midfielder, returned from Bayern Munich, key to Arsenal’s title push.
  • Mao Itamura: Eredivisie Player of the Year, 8 goals & 6 assists for Feyenoord, 20 years old.
  • Holly McNamara: Two-time A-League Golden Boot winner, 45 goals for Melbourne City, Everton’s main attacking hope.
  • Alexia Putellas: Four-time Champions League winner, two Ballon d’Or titles, star signing for London City Lionesses.
  • Niamh Charles: Five WSL titles with Chelsea, new left-back for Manchester City.
  • Manaka Matsukubo: 2025 NWSL Midfielder of the Year, versatile attacker for Chelsea.
  • Mary Earps: Former England No.1, key goalkeeper signing for London City.
  • Lia Walti: Swiss international, WSL and Champions League winner, midfield anchor for Brighton.
  • Alice Sombath: Defender with over 100 appearances for Lyon, Tottenham’s record signing.

Related Articles