Young New Faces in the WSL & WSL2: What to Expect

The WSL and WSL2 continue to be an appealing place for emerging talent, with clubs increasingly trusting young players to make an immediate impact.

Within this January transfer window, clubs have recruited some of the most exciting under-23 prospects, arriving with strong reputations, impressive data profiles, and the potential to shape their teams’ campaigns from the outset.

Ellen Wangerheim – Manchester United

Position: Striker / Right Wing

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Manchester United’s recruitment of Ellen Wangerheim looks like a statement of intent. At just 21, Wangerheim arrives with elite-level production, having recorded 23 goals and 10 assists in 31 games during the 2025 season, following 25 goals in 38 appearances in 2024.

Pacey and versatile, she can operate anywhere across the front line, though her instincts are those of a natural number nine.

A first-time finisher who thrives on crosses and second balls, Wangerheim’s movement in the box is a standout trait. She averages just 0.8 offsides per game, highlighting her patience and game intelligence when timing runs in behind.

Despite being right-footed, she is comfortable finishing with either foot or in the air, excelling in aerial duels.

Her willingness to drive into the box and take responsibility in attacking moments adds a direct edge to United’s attack - particularly valuable with their only natural right winger, Celin Bizet, out on maternity leave.

With 75% successful dribbles and a 73% pass accuracy, she combines efficiency with decisiveness.

Still developing, the 21-year-old’s ceiling is high, and her own self-description sums her up: a hard-working striker who links play, makes runs in behind, and contributes defensively as well as offensively.

Signe Gaupset – Tottenham

Position: Central Midfielder / Attacking Midfielder / Left Wing

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Signe Gaupset arrives at Tottenham as one of the most complete young midfielders in the game.

Her 15 goals and 14 assists in just 2,093 minutes during the 2025 season translates to a remarkable goal contribution every 72 minutes, highlighting her efficiency and attacking influence.

Comfortable centrally, further forward, or drifting wide, Gaupset is tactically flexible and technically outstanding.

She records 82% pass accuracy, an elite 84% dribble success rate, and completes 5.3 dribbles per game, often bursting through midfield with 3.21 progressive carries per match.

Defensively, she is just as impressive - recovering 7.7 balls per game, conceding only 0.6 fouls, and being dribbled past a mere 0.7 times per game.

Her game intelligence stands out, particularly her ability to manipulate defenders by opening her body for a far-post finish before driving shots into the near corner.

A senior Norway international since 2024, Gaupset has already delivered 7 goals and 2 assists at international level. Her ability to use both her left and right foot and reading of the game add a new tactical dimension to Spurs’ midfield.

Wilma Leidhammar – Birmingham City

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Photo Credit: Birmingham City Women

Wilma Leidhammar has quietly established herself as one of the most consistent young players in the Damallsvenskan league. Since joining Norrköping DFK in 2022, the 22-year-old has delivered 27 goals and 11 assists, improving her goal contributions in every season.

Primarily an attacking midfielder, Leidhammar’s versatility allows her to operate across the front line or drop deeper into a double pivot.

Her 8 goals and 8 assists in the 2025 league season underlines her dual threat, while her 75% pass accuracy and 74% dribble success rate reflect composure and technical security.

A natural leader, she has captained the Swedish side on multiple occasions and plays with visible passion and intensity. Strong on the ball and clever with her positioning, Leidhammar excels at finding pockets of space and linking play between midfield and attack.

The new club record signing concedes just 1.2 fouls per game, offering reliability without sacrificing aggression, showcasing her discipline.

Her trajectory suggests a player still ascending, with consistency and intelligence forming the foundation of her game.

Alice Bergström – Liverpool

Position: Right Back / Right Wing

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Alice Bergström brings versatility, durability, and attacking output to Liverpool at a crucial time. Capable of playing as a fullback or winger, she posted 3 goals and 10 assists in 31 games during the 2025 season with her former club, following an impressive 11-goal campaign in 2024.

An ever-reliable presence, Bergström missed just one match during BK Häcken’s title-winning season - exactly the kind of availability Gareth Taylor’s side have lacked amid recent injury struggles.

She averages 2.1 key passes per game, 7.4 ball recoveries, and boasts a 77% dribble success rate, showing her impact at both ends of the pitch.

When deployed at fullback, she is fearless in her approach, driving forward, beating defenders, and delivering dangerous crosses.

Disciplined defensively, she commits just 0.9 fouls per game, balancing aggression with control.

Her immediate impact was evident as she scored twice off the bench in Liverpool’s FA Cup win, hinting at her readiness for the WSL stage.

Smilla Holmberg – Arsenal

Position: Right Back

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At just 19, Smilla Holmberg already looks tailor-made for Arsenal’s attacking fullback system. Predominantly a right back but comfortable pushing high or covering the wing, the young Swede’s development has been rapid, improving from 2 goals and 1 assist in 2024 to 8 goals and 5 assists in 2025.

Technically gifted and confident in possession, she completed 78% of her dribbles and 74% of her passes, while producing 2.3 key passes into the box per game from fullback.

Her 3.6 progressive carries per game underline her ability to break lines and advance play through ball-carrying.

Defensively, she is equally impressive, having been dribbled past just 1.3 times per game, conceding only 0.5 fouls, and making 5.8 ball recoveries per match.

Holmberg combines pace with defensive intelligence, allowing her to recover quickly when caught high and is a strong interceptor who resists diving into tackles.

Already a key member of Sweden’s Euros squad, she brings international pedigree to the Gunners and represents one of the most exciting teenage fullbacks in Europe.