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

The 2026-27 Women’s Super League (WSL) season is set to be defined by some major new signings, including Alexia Putellas and Georgia Stanway, whose arrivals have generated plenty of excitement. This summer transfer window has brought a mix of proven stars and emerging talents to England's top flight, promising an intriguing season ahead.

Beth England (Crystal Palace)

Newly promoted Crystal Palace have boosted their survival hopes with the experienced striker Beth England. Last season, Palace scored well in WSL 2 but struggled to find the net after promotion, managing just 20 goals in 22 WSL matches, which contributed to their relegation. England’s record is impressive: 11 goals in 26 appearances for England and 71 goals over seven years at Chelsea, where she won 10 trophies. Her adaptation to Tottenham, where she scored 12 goals in 12 league games amid a challenging spell, shows her value to struggling teams.

"You do have to adapt... you might get one chance, and if you don't take it, that's all you've got," England told GOAL last season.

Her leadership and experience could be pivotal in helping Palace stay up this season.

Georgia Stanway (Arsenal)

Georgia Stanway returns to the WSL with Arsenal after four successful years at Bayern Munich, where she won eight major trophies. Arsenal needed midfield reinforcements to reduce reliance on Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey, and Stanway offers world-class quality and versatility. Alongside new signing Geraldine Reuteler, Stanway strengthens Arsenal’s midfield depth, which could be crucial in their bid for a first WSL title since 2019.

Mao Itamura (Liverpool)

Liverpool landed a huge talent in Mao Itamura, the 20-year-old named Eredivisie Player of the Season for 2025-26 after scoring eight goals and providing six assists for Feyenoord. Itamura impressed in pre-season, notably scoring twice against Sheffield United. With Olivia Smith sidelined due to injury, Itamura's creative spark is expected to lift Liverpool's attack and help them climb the table.

Holly McNamara (Everton)

Holly McNamara arrives from Melbourne City after winning consecutive Golden Boots in Australia’s A-League, where she scored 45 goals in 66 games. Everton’s attacking overhaul sees McNamara as a key figure to replace departing players who had limited goal impact last season. Fellow Australian stars Mary Fowler and Charlie Rule have praised her potential, marking McNamara as a forward to watch this season.

Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses)

One of the biggest WSL signings ever, Alexia Putellas joins London City Lionesses off a sensational year that saw her win the Champions League Player of the Season and likely a third Ballon d’Or. The ambitious club, backed by Michele Kang, also signed other stars like Mapi León and Kadidiatou Diani. Putellas' talent and leadership will be central as London City aims to rise quickly in the WSL standings.

Niamh Charles (Manchester City)

Niamh Charles moved to Manchester City after winning five consecutive WSL titles with Chelsea. City needed to strengthen at left-back, a position that exposed defensive weaknesses last season. Charles, a 34-cap England international, brings experience, quality in attack and defense, and leadership that manager Andree Jeglertz values highly.

Manaka Matsukubo (Chelsea)

From the NWSL’s North Carolina Courage, 22-year-old Manaka Matsukubo arrives after being named Midfielder of the Year in 2025. She scored 11 goals and added four assists last season, showcasing creative skills Chelsea lacked. Versatile in attack, she is expected to fill the No.10 role and boost Chelsea’s offensive output after a low-scoring campaign.

"She is so fast with her feet and you think you have the ball, but you don’t," said Chelsea defender Nathalie Bjorn.

Mary Earps (London City Lionesses)

Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps returns to the WSL with London City Lionesses from PSG. While her current form may not match the level of some teammates, Earps’ arrival addresses defensive concerns. London City conceded 35 goals last season, partly due to underperforming goalkeeping stats. Earps’ presence should improve the team’s defense and support the development of young keeper Elene Lete.

Lia Walti (Brighton)

Lia Walti joins Brighton after a season at Juventus and was part of Arsenal’s 2019 WSL-winning team. Known for excellent game control and leadership as Switzerland captain, Walti fits Brighton’s model of adding experienced winners. Her influence should help Brighton build on a strong 2025-26 campaign that included an FA Cup final appearance.

Alice Sombath (Tottenham)

Tottenham broke their transfer record to sign defender Alice Sombath, who played over 100 times for Lyon, the dominant European champions. At 22, she brings valuable experience, having trained alongside legends like Wendie Renard. Sombath adds much-needed depth to Tottenham’s defense, which conceded 38 goals last season, the fourth-most in the WSL.