WSL Players on Loan in the WSL 2

As the women’s game continues to grow, loan spells have become one of the most important development tools for clubs. Across the Women’s Super League 2, several young rising stars are currently out on loan, gaining valuable minutes and experiencing regular league action.

Take a look at some of the names capturing the eyes.

Keira Barry - Sunderland on loan from Manchester United

Keira Barry’s loan spell at Sunderland has started to gather real momentum. After a slow integration into the side, the winger has picked up form at a crucial time, highlighted by a brace in the FA Cup against Derby County.

In league action, Barry has featured in eight matches, starting two, registering one league goal from 327 minutes. That goal came against Newcastle, where she delivered a well-rounded performance: winning 100% of her aerial duels, showcasing her dynamic style in tracking back, and contributing four defensive contributions from the wing.

Her upward trajectory continued during the international break, scoring during the England U23s camp, further underlining her confidence and attacking sharpness in front of goal.

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With Barry due to return to Manchester United in January, questions are naturally emerging and with her contract with the Red Devils set to be up in the summer, could this be Barry’s chance to prove her first team readiness?

United currently face a lack of depth in the attacking third and with winger Celin Bizet out on maternity leave, Barry’s recent form could see her introduced into the first-team picture as Marc Skinner is set to look for fresh attacking options.

Jessie Gale - Portsmouth on loan from Arsenal

Jessie Gale has been one of the bright stars in a difficult season for Portsmouth. Despite the team’s struggles, the Arsenal loanee has consistently delivered when given opportunities in the league.

In just three league starts, Gale has registered three goals and one assist, while also scoring twice from the bench, demonstrating her ability to impact games regardless of her role.

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Most impressively, she scored in four consecutive appearances, including a League Cup clash against West Ham where she also provided an assist against a top tier opposition.

Whether starting or coming off the bench, Gale has shown sharp movement, composure in front of goal, and a knack for taking her chances when given the opportunity; traits that continue to mark her out as a forward capable of stepping up to the next level.

Jess Simpson - Southampton on loan at Manchester United

Operating primarily from full-back, Jess Simpson has enjoyed a highly productive loan spell with Southampton. Averaging a 7.3 FotMob rating, she has contributed two goals and three assists across 803 minutes, starting nine matches in WSL2.

Simpson made an immediate impact on debut, assisting against Ipswich on the opening day, and has since provided assists in two of her last three appearances.

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Her standout performance came against Nottingham Forest, where she scored and finished as Southampton’s highest-rated player with a rating of 7.9, recording 75% pass accuracy, two key interceptions, and two clearances despite the defeat.

She also found the net in a dominant 10–0 FA Cup victory over Royston Town, keeping a clean sheet in the process. With Manchester United currently lacking depth in the full-back areas, Simpson’s consistency and attacking output from defence are unlikely to go unnoticed by Marc Skinner, considering the overall squad depth at the club.

Simpson has continuously impressed in the fullback position, starting 10 out of a possible 10 matches for the South Coast side, proving her consistent ability to provide both in going forward and sitting back to defend.

Ashanti Akpan - Southampton on loan from Chelsea

Ashanti Akpan’s loan at Southampton has been one of impact rather than volume, but her performances — particularly in cup competitions — have been eye-catching.

She was named Player of the Match in the South Coast Derby against Portsmouth in the League Cup, producing a 7.4-rated display that included four key interceptions, 16 recoveries, and a 100% dribble success rate from the midfield position.

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While predominantly used off the bench in league fixtures, Akpan has started all four League Cup matches, underlining the trust placed in her during high-stakes games against the likes of WSL outfits, West Ham and Brighton.

Her most recent league appearance saw her come on against league-leaders Charlton, completing 92% of her passes alongside two key clearances. Her defensive intelligence and ball security suggests the baller is quietly building a strong foundation.

Keira Flannery - Charlton Athletic on loan from West Ham

At just 20 years old, Keira Flannery has established herself as a regular starter for Charlton Athletic. She has started nine matches, with one substitute appearance, accumulating 853 minutes and maintaining an impressive average rating of 7.3.

Her best performance came against Sheffield United, where she earned a rating of 8.0, winning 89% of her duels, making 11 recoveries and two key interceptions.

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The midfielder additionally completed all of her dribbles and was not dribbled past once.

In her most recent outing against Portsmouth, Flannery continued to display her defensive dominance, winning 100% of her tackles and making 17 recoveries for her side.

Charlton’s number 24 also provided six defensive contributions and remained unbeaten in 1v1 situations in their 1-1 draw.

Poppy Pritchard - Durham on loan from Manchester City

Poppy Pritchard has enjoyed a productive loan spell at Durham, featuring in 10 matches and starting eight, accumulating 727 minutes of first team football.

From both wide and central attacking roles, the forward has helped to provide three assists in the league. Despite having not found the back of the net just yet, Pritchard has been able to embed herself into regular first team action, providing the attacker with invaluable experience.

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Her standout performance came in Durham’s 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest, where she delivered two assists, showcasing her creativity and adaptability. Comfortable operating on both the left wing or as a striker, Pritchard’s versatility has been a key asset, offering attacking flexibility and consistent end product.

The City loanee has had the opportunity to grow her game and work alongside the league’s leading goalscorer Beth Hepple, which no doubt, will provide her with the confidence and ability in front of goal.