Transfer window verdict: how every Women’s Super League club fared

Arsenal

With so many senior players’ contracts expiring in June, Arsenal’s focus was on preparing for the summer, when they are expected to go through a major rebuild. Therefore their quiet window was no surprise, but they will be relatively pleased to have brought in a star of the future, Smilla Holmberg, at right-back and to have fulfilled their need for a backup goalkeeper, with Barbora Votíkova’s deadline-day loan. Much more significant, though, is the positive progress they are understood to have made in their attempt to sign Georgia Stanway on a free at the end of the season, and big decisions such as not seeking to extend Katie McCabe’s stay, as they prepare to refresh the team.

Key ins: Smilla Holmberg (Hammarby), Barbora Votikova (Slavia Prague, loan)

Key outs: Jenna Nighswonger (Aston Villa, loan), Laila Harbert (Everton, loan)

Aston Villa

The signing of Oriane Jean-François from Chelsea, for a fee reportedly as high as £450,000, is a major move from Villa, whose results have not gone the way they would have wanted in 2026 but can who be satisfied with their acquisitions. They also brought in Jenna Nighswonger on loan from Arsenal. The United States defender arrived in England with a terrific reputation but things have not worked out for her in north London so, if Villa can help her settle in the WSL and enjoy her football again, that could be a clever move. They also recouped some cash with the sale of the England winger Katie Robinson to promotion-chasing Bristol City.

Key ins: Oriane Jean-François (Chelsea), Jenna Nighswonger (Arsenal, loan)

Key outs: Katie Robinson (Bristol City), Sarah Mayling