WSL transfer window: Will Chloe Kelly and Keira Walsh be on the move in January?
2025-01-01
Category: sports

The transfer window is open in the Women's Super League and there could be some high-profile moves on the cards.Players have been enjoying a winter break but clubs are working hard behind the scenes to bring in recruits.The window opened on 1 January and closes on 30 January at 23:00 GMT. Here are a few things to look out for.
Which WSL players could be on the move?
England winger Chloe Kelly is struggling for game time at Manchester City and has started only one WSL game this season. With her contract expiring in 2025, a loan move could be an option. But City have injury concerns that have sidelined attacking players Vivianne Miedema, Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp, meaning Gareth Taylor's side may need to keep hold of 26-year-old Kelly for now.Now Everton's takeover is complete, they are ready to act on several transfer targets and have been preparing a Â£100,000 bid for 21-year-old Arsenal midfielder Kathrine Kuhl, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Toffees between January and May 2024. The Denmark international has played a total of 19 minutes across the WSL and Women's Champions League this season.Wales midfielder Hayley Ladd has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United and has attracted attention from a few WSL clubs. With six months remaining on her contract, Ladd, 31, will be keen to get more minutes heading into Euro 2025 with Wales.Liverpool must fend off interest in Japan international Fuka Nagano, who has six months remaining on her contract and has not yet agreed a new deal. The 25-year-old has recovered from an ankle injury and played all three games for the Reds before the winter break.France midfielder Kenza Dali, 33, went from being a key player at Aston Villa to making just four starts in the WSL this season. Her contract runs until June 2025, with the option of a further year, so she could push for a January move if clubs are willing to pay.
Who could join WSL from abroad?
England and Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh attracted a world record bid from Arsenal in the summer, and with six months remaining on her contract there is likely to be interest there again in January. The 27-year-old has struggled for consistency this season, featuring in 10 of Barcelona's 13 league games and five of their six Champions League encounters. Walsh has only played 90 minutes in six of Barcelona's 20 games in all competitions, scoring three times. Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs who have the financial capabilities to sign her but they could wait until she is available for free.United States and San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma would be top of any shopping list and with her contract coming to an end in 2025, the world's richest clubs are starting to circle around her. French giants Lyon have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old Olympic gold medal winner, while Chelsea are another club in need of a centre-back. Liverpool have had longstanding interest in Scotland midfielder Sam Kerr, 25, and they are hoping to bring her in - likely on loan - from Bayern Munich this January.Meanwhile, Tottenham are looking for a new goalkeeper and have targeted BK Hacken's 31-year-old Sweden international Jennifer Falk as an option.
What do WSL clubs need?
Chelsea centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan is out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, so manager Sonia Bompastor will be keen to bring in a replacement. The WSL leaders were looking for a midfielder in the summer too. Meanwhile, captain Millie Bright has been in discussions over a new deal. Erin Cuthbert and Buchanan are also players the club want to sign new deals.Manchester City have injuries at centre-back and up front so may look to add reinforcements. City have already secured an important contract extension for full-back Kerstin Casparij.The main priority for Arsenal is settling on a permanent manager with interim boss Renee Slegers impressing and putting herself in prime position for the role. As well as potential interest in Walsh and the probable departure of Kuhl, Arsenal are in need of defensive reinforcements.Manchester United were busy in the summer and manager Marc Skinner says he is happy with his squad; but, if Ladd leaves, there may be room for more additions. United also need to agree contract renewals with Jayde Riviere and Grace Clinton, among others.It was a very successful window for Brighton this summer and it has paid off with results - but manager Dario Vidosic has not ruled out more activity in January, saying they will seek to add quality to the squad if it becomes available.Tottenham's priority is a goalkeeper having spent the majority of the summer looking at options. Falk is among those they have looked at and Spurs have also enquired about attacking midfielders.It has been a turbulent few months at Aston Villa as they spent money in the summer, backing new manager Robert de Pauw, only to sack him six months later. They now need to find a replacement, while addressing expiring contracts for senior players including Rachel Daly, Jordan Nobbs and Dan Turner.Liverpool manager Matt Beard hoped to add more reinforcements but a tight budget means he is likely to bring in just one player, unless the club sell to generate funds. As well as Nagano's contract expiry, Wales international Ceri Holland and defenders Taylor Hinds and Grace Fisk are among those with deals ending in 2025.It is expected to be a busy month for Everton, who desperately need squad depth and hope to have money available following the club takeover. No outgoings are expected as things stand and they have already signed France forward Kelly Gago.West Ham are in a fairly good position given their financial constraints. Manager Rehanne Skinner will need to be shrewd again to bring in players to add depth.It has been a difficult few months for Leicester City because of an injury crisis, so they are likely to be active in January. Attacking additions and some experienced players could be on the wishlist.Bottom club Crystal Palace need to be smart in the transfer window as they are unable to compete financially. They have lacked goals so might add attacking firepower, while they missed out on a few defensive targets in the summer that they may return to.