What Every WSL Club Needs in the January Transfer Window

With the January transfer window now in full swing, Women’s Super League clubs face pivotal decisions that could shape and define their season outcomes.

Whether it’s sustaining a title challenge, pushing for those European spots or simply surviving at the bottom, recruitment in January is all about addressing those weaknesses rather than wholesale squad rebuilds.

We’ve picked out some potential weaker spots that these clubs could look to address this winter

Arsenal:

Renee Slegers’ side have acted quickly in the market so far, snapping up the highly rated and talented youngster Smilla Holmberg. The Swedish international joins the Gunners on a long-term deal, providing additional cover to the defensive back line.

However, after letting Lia Walti depart in the summer, Arsenal’s need for a defensive midfielder has become increasingly apparent in the ‘higher stakes’ matches, having looked more vulnerable in transition.

Whilst the Gunners do have the experienced club legend of Kim Little to fill the role, her injury record would pose some concern and is therefore not able to sustain regular, consistent minutes.

A specialised holding midfielder would provide additional balance and allow greater freedom for the attacking midfielders such as Mariona Caldentey.

With Georgia Stanway’s contract up in the summer, the Gunners have reportedly held talks over bringing the two-time Euros winner back to the WSL, suggesting they are actively looking for potential cover in the defensive midfield role.

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Could the Bayern star be the answer to Arsenal’s midfield issues?

Aston Villa

After losing Jill Baijings to an unfortunate ACL injury early in the season, Villa have been left without a recognised out and out central attacking midfielder, limiting their ability to link midfield and attack consistently.

Currently, the side have seen forwards such as Rachel Daly fill in the creative spot but in doing so, the Claret and Blues lose the ability to have the clinical striker further up the pitch, limiting her goalscoring opportunities.

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While they have work rate and structure in place already, the Villans could look for a player capable of operating between the lines and consistently creating chances for those at the top end of the pitch.

Bringing in a natural number ten would add a much-needed creative spark and would allow the likes of Daly, to play in her more natural and favoured number nine position.

Natalia Arroyo and her staff could also potentially look to bring in additional cover at the back with the experienced fullback Sarah Mayling heading out on loan to Leicester City.

Brighton & Hove Albion:

With the ACL injury to loanee Michelle Agyemang, combined with the summer departure of Nikita Parris, the Seagulls may have to dip into the market in order to bring in another attacking outlet in the form of a striker.

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Much of the goalscoring burden has fallen on Kiko Seike, who has been Brighton’s main source of goals, netting four in the league so far but if the dynamic forward was to suffer an injury, the team could be left short of reliable goal threats.

To avoid predictability and ease the pressure on the Japanese star, Dario Vidosic’s side could benefit from an additional striker capable of leading the line and finishing chances consistently.

Chelsea:

Sonia Bompastor’s side arguably have the strongest and most adaptable squad depth in Europe so additions in the winter window may be limited and instead, may look to focus on contract extensions.

However, despite the depth across most areas of the pitch, the Blues could look for an out and out central creative player in order to add another level to their already well-established system.

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Whilst they have many attacking options up front and in the wider areas, the serial league winners could unlock defences and improve chance creation, particularly in the tighter league games, with the addition of a central attacking midfielder.

The side have scored just 19 league goals so far – fewer than fellow rivals Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, but with Sam Kerr returning from a long-term injury, the addition of a creative spark to feed the Aussie could be the final piece in the puzzle.

Everton:

Everton’s January plans may all depend on potential outgoings, with the likes of France’s Kelly Gago rumoured to be seeking a move, and loanee Katie Robinson heading back to her parent club - Villa.

If Gago does depart, a striker then becomes essential for the Brian Sorensen’s side if they want to continue to fight in the topflight.

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Defensively, the team have also struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding the second-highest number of goals in the league. With Ruby Mace often deployed as a centre-back, and Hayley Ladd not seeing regular minutes, their control in midfield has lacked.

However, Sorensen could look to sign a centre-back to allow Mace to move back into her natural defensive midfield position, restoring stability and control into their game.

Leicester City:

Leicester City’s biggest issue this season has been a lack of attacking output and assurance at the back. However, they have already reinforced defensively with the additions of Sarah Mayling (on loan from Villa) and Emma Jansson so could turn their attention to their attacking woes.

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Rick Passmore’s side are currently the league’s lowest scorers, with just seven goals in 11 matches, and often struggle to stretch oppositions’ defences, becoming just one dimensional.

A pacey winger or creative wide player would be a welcomed addition, enabling the Foxes to play with more directness, improve ball progression and create more chances from wide areas.

Without added creativity and speed, Passmore’s side risk remaining blunt in the final third, potentially costing them their current league position.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s situation is increasingly concerning with the side needing additions across the board after suffering a dramatic injury crisis.

The Reds are yet to win a league game, scoring just eight goals in 11 matches, with most coming from summer signing Beata Olsson who has been their only real threat in front of goal.

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Injuries to forwards Sophie Haug and Marie Höbinger have further weakened an already limited attack, while the departure of Olivia Smith without a direct replacement has reduced creativity and threat from the wide areas.

A proven striker is urgently needed to give Gareth Taylor’s side a focal point and guide them to their first victory.

Whilst a goal scorer should be top of their list, the Reds’ defence has taken a hit through injury so could look to strengthen their backline in addition to Alice Bergstrom, who joined earlier this month.

London City Lionesses

Despite signing 15 players, London City Lionesses have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding 21 goals in the league so far.

While they possess strong attacking depth and have players gradually returning from injury, the lack of defensive control has prevented them from turning performances into wins.

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A young defensive midfielder capable of breaking up play and protecting the backline, alongside Saki Kumagi, would bring structure and balance to Eder Maestre’s side.

The return of injured players such as Daniëlle van de Donk will help with ball progression, but defensive reinforcement could turn their tight losses into wins.

Manchester City:

There is no stopping Manchester City right now having won 10 out of 11 league games so far, making January recruitment a luxury rather than a necessity.

However, Bunny Shaw’s recent injury record highlights a lack of depth in the striker position, so additional forward cover could be valuable during a long title run in.

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With 12 goals to her name so far in the league, Shaw’s attacking output has gone to another level… once again… but losing the Jamaican could be detrimental in their title campaign, with no real out and out striker to fill the boots.

Beyond any potential incomings, City could also use the winter window to secure the futures of key players, with star forwards Bunny Shaw and Vivianne Miedema both approaching the final months of their contracts.

With the pair currently set to be out of contract in the summer, tying them down to new deals would be as significant as any January signing.

Manchester United:

After starting the season with a paper-thin squad, Marc Skinner was eager to add depth during the January window, and Manchester United have wasted little time in doing so, already securing the signings of Lea Schüller and Hanna Lundkvist.

However, with the Red Devils still fighting on all four fronts, additional reinforcement in the wide areas could prove crucial in maintaining depth, rotation and tactical adaptability as their season progresses.

At times, the side have become too predictable in the final third, and with Celin Bizet out on maternity leave, they are now heavily reliant on Jess Park to operate on the right flank.

That dependence has made their attacking play increasingly one-dimensional, leaving Skinner’s side without a clear alternative approach when their primary route to goal is shut down.

Tottenham Hotspur:

Tottenham have signalled serious intent in the January window, moving quickly to strengthen their squad with the additions of exciting young talents Signe Gaupset, Julie Blakstad and Maika Hamano.

Martin Ho’s side have also reinforced their defensive options with the arrival of Hannah Wijk from Hammarby, a versatile defender capable of operating across the backline.

These early moves reflect Spurs’ determination to address key problem areas, particularly after long-term injuries to attacking outlets such as Jess Naz reduced their creativity and attacking depth.

Securing Hamano on loan from Chelsea has helped ease that burden, but there remains room for further reinforcement.

While the Lilywhites have scored 16 goals this season, dropped points through draws and narrow defeats have reoccurred.

Adding a dynamic forward to partner Bethany England could prove decisive in turning those fine margins into wins during the second half of the campaign and potentially help them to break into the top four.

West Ham United:

West Ham have endured a difficult campaign defensively, struggling to keep clean sheets after conceding 24 goals – the highest tally in the league.

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With only one win so far, the Hammers have found it hard to control matches, particularly at the back, where they have won just 44% of their aerial duels.

As a result, recruiting a dominant, experienced defender should be a top priority for new manager Rita Guarino in January.

The potential departure of highly rated youngster Anouk Denton to Juventus would further weaken an already fragile backline, dealing another blow to their hopes of maintaining their top-flight status.

While defensive issues remain the most pressing concern, their struggles in front of goal – with nine goals in 11 matches, the third-lowest total in the league – underline the scale of the task facing the club during the second half of the season.