Alexia Putellas, Georgia Stanway and 10 Key New Signings Shaping the 2026-27 Women’s Super League Season
This summer, England’s Women’s Super League has attracted some of the biggest names in women’s football, reinforcing its reputation as one of the top leagues globally. Among the most notable are two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and fellow Barcelona Champions League winners Ona Batlle and Mapi Leon. Meanwhile, England icons like Georgia Stanway and Mary Earps have returned to the league, bringing experience and star quality.
The transfer window wasn’t just about big names; many clubs also secured promising young talent who could break out this season and become major players in the future. Here are ten signings expected to make a significant impact in the 2026-27 campaign.
Beth England (Crystal Palace)
Newly promoted Crystal Palace strengthened their attack with striker Beth England. After dominating the second tier with 16 more goals than any other team, Palace struggled in the WSL last year, scoring only 20 in 22 matches, leading to relegation. England brings valuable experience, having scored 11 times for England and 71 goals during seven trophy-laden years at Chelsea.
"You do have to adapt... At Spurs, you might get one chance, and if you don’t take it, that’s all you’ve got," England told GOAL last season, explaining her growth after moving from dominant Chelsea to struggling Tottenham.
Her leadership and ability to thrive in tough situations give Palace a real boost in their fight to stay up.
Georgia Stanway (Arsenal)
Georgia Stanway returns to England after four successful years at Bayern Munich, where she won eight major trophies. Arsenal's midfield has relied heavily on Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey, so Stanway’s arrival adds much-needed depth and quality. Alongside new signing Geraldine Reuteler, Stanway’s versatility and big-match experience will help Arsenal challenge for their first WSL title since 2019.
Mao Itamura (Liverpool)
Mao Itamura, the 20-year-old named Women’s Eredivisie Player of the Season in 2025-26, joins Liverpool from Feyenoord. With eight goals and six assists last season, she impressed by driving her team to third place. Despite currently sidelined by injury, her skill and creativity promise to lift Liverpool’s attack after a difficult start to last season.
Holly McNamara (Everton)
Australia’s Holly McNamara joins Everton after winning consecutive Golden Boots in the A-League with Melbourne City. Everton, who finished eighth last season, have focused on strengthening their attack following the departures of some key players. McNamara, with 45 goals in 66 games Down Under, is widely viewed as an exciting forward capable of becoming Everton’s main goal threat.
Matildas star Mary Fowler said McNamara is poised to shine in the WSL, while Brighton’s Charlie Rule called her deserving of this stage.
Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses)
The signing of Alexia Putellas by London City Lionesses is arguably the biggest coup in WSL history. Coming off a season where she helped Barcelona win a quadruple and earned Champions League Player of the Season and likely her third Ballon d’Or, Putellas brings world-class talent and leadership to the ambitious capital club backed by Michele Kang’s investment.
Along with fellow stars Mapi Leon and Kadidiatou Diani, Putellas is central to London City’s hopes of climbing the table rapidly. Her leadership, especially with younger players, has already been praised by teammates.
Niamh Charles (Manchester City)
Niamh Charles has moved from Chelsea to reigning champions Manchester City, addressing a key weakness at left-back. City struggled defensively down the left last season, often exposing gaps. Charles, a five-time WSL champion with Chelsea and 34-cap England international, offers both defensive solidity and attacking support.
Manager Andree Jeglertz highlighted Charles’ personality and quality as vital additions to the squad.
Manaka Matsukubo (Chelsea)
From the NWSL, Manaka Matsukubo arrives at Chelsea as the 2025 Midfielder of the Year, having scored 11 goals and assisted four for North Carolina Courage. At 22, she brings technical skill and creativity, especially as a No.10, a position Chelsea have lacked consistent strength in. Her speed and ball control have impressed teammates already.
Chelsea defender Nathalie Bjorn praised her technical abilities and creativity during pre-season training.
Mary Earps (London City Lionesses)
Former England No.1 goalkeeper Mary Earps returns to the WSL with London City Lionesses after two years in Paris Saint-Germain. Although not at her previous peak, Earps’ experience and reputation can uplift the club both on and off the pitch.
London City conceded 35 goals last season, 13 more than the league’s top teams, partly due to poor goalkeeping stats from Elene Lete. Earps’ presence should improve their defensive record and mentor their young keeper.
Lia Walti (Brighton)
Lia Walti, part of Arsenal’s 2019 WSL-winning squad and 2025 Champions League winners, joins Brighton after a season at Juventus. Known for excellent game control and leadership, Walti is expected to play a major role in Brighton’s push forward following their FA Cup final appearance and solid seventh-place finish last term.
Former Brighton coach Dario Vidosic praised Walti’s experience, quality, and leadership impact on the squad.
Alice Sombath (Tottenham)
Alice Sombath signed for Tottenham Hotspur in a club-record deal, bringing experience from Lyon, where she made over 100 appearances for the eight-time European champions. Competing alongside legends like Wendie Renard, Sombath gained invaluable knowledge, which she now brings to a Spurs defense that conceded 38 goals last season.
Midfielder Drew Spence emphasized how Sombath learned leadership from Renard, which will help Spurs progress.
