Alexia Putellas, Georgia Stanway, and 10 Key Signings Shaping the 2026-27 Women’s Super League Season

Stars Arriving to Impact the 2026-27 Women’s Super League

The Women’s Super League in England has long been seen as one of the top leagues globally, and this summer’s transfer window has only strengthened that reputation. Big names like two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas have joined from Barcelona, alongside teammates such as Ona Batlle and Mapi León. Meanwhile, English icons like Georgia Stanway and Mary Earps have returned home. Beyond these headline moves, many clubs have added promising young talent ready to make a mark in the coming season.

Here are 10 signings from this summer who could shape the WSL’s 2026-27 campaign.

Beth England (Crystal Palace)

Newly promoted Crystal Palace strengthened their chances of survival by signing striker Beth England. After an explosive 2023-24 Championship season where Palace scored far more than any other team, their step up to the WSL was tough, managing just 20 goals in 22 matches and facing relegation. England’s experience is invaluable; at 32, she’s scored 11 goals in 26 appearances for England and 71 goals during seven trophy-laden years at Chelsea. Her stint at Tottenham proved her ability to adapt to struggling teams, netting 12 goals in 12 WSL games last season.

"You do have to adapt... you’ve got to work on yourself individually," England told GOAL. "At Spurs, you might get one chance, and if you don’t take it, that’s all you’ve got."

Her leadership and goal-scoring knack give Palace a much better shot at staying up.

Georgia Stanway (Arsenal)

Georgia Stanway returns to England after four successful years at Bayern Munich, where she won eight major trophies. Arsenal needed midfield reinforcements to ease the burden on Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey, and Stanway fits perfectly. The England international brings world-class quality and versatility across midfield roles, helping Arsenal chase their first WSL title since 2019.

Mao Itamura (Liverpool)

At just 20, Mao Itamura was named the Women’s Eredivisie Player of the Year for 2025-26 after scoring eight goals and assisting six for Feyenoord. Her arrival at Liverpool is one of the most exciting signings. She impressed in preseason with two remarkable goals against Sheffield United. Once recovered from injury, Itamura is expected to inject creativity and flair into Liverpool’s attack, which lacked a talismanic figure last season.

Holly McNamara (Everton)

Holly McNamara arrives in the WSL after back-to-back Golden Boots in Australia’s A-League, having scored 45 goals in 66 appearances for Melbourne City. Everton, who finished eighth last season, have revamped their attack this summer. Alongside permanent signing Zara Kramzar and arrivals Noemie Mouchon and Jutta Rantala, McNamara stands out as a potent forward capable of leading Everton’s frontline.

Mary Fowler, a key Matildas player at Manchester City, expressed excitement about McNamara’s potential.

If McNamara becomes Everton’s main scorer, the team could improve significantly.

Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses)

Possibly the biggest WSL signing ever, Alexia Putellas joins London City Lionesses fresh from helping Barcelona win a quadruple and earning Champions League Player of the Season honors. With four Champions League titles, a World Cup, and two Ballons d’Or already, Putellas brings unmatched talent and leadership to the ambitious Lionesses, backed by billionaire Michele Kang.

Alongside stars like Mapi León and Kadidiatou Diani, Putellas is the centerpiece of London City’s bid to rise quickly in the league.

Alanna Kennedy noted Putellas’s leadership and willingness to support younger players early in preseason.

Niamh Charles (Manchester City)

Niamh Charles signed with reigning champions Manchester City after winning five consecutive WSL titles at Chelsea. City addressed their left-back issues by bringing Charles in, a move praised by coach Andree Jeglertz for her defensive and attacking qualities and her winning experience.

Jeglertz told GOAL: "She has quality as a left-back both in defending and attacking parts and brings valuable experience."

Manaka Matsukubo (Chelsea)

Manaka Matsukubo arrives from the NWSL, where she was named Midfielder of the Year in 2025 after scoring 11 goals and providing four assists for North Carolina Courage. The 22-year-old Japan international signed a five-year deal with Chelsea, expected to fill the No.10 role, boosting Chelsea’s attack, which struggled last season.

Chelsea defender Nathalie Bjorn praised Matsukubo’s technical skills and creativity, saying she can provide what the team needs in the final third.

Mary Earps (London City Lionesses)

Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps returns to the WSL with London City Lionesses after two years at Paris Saint-Germain. Earps’s arrival addresses London City’s defensive struggles; last season they conceded 35 goals in 22 games, the highest among non-top-four teams. Earps’s experience should strengthen the goalkeeping department and help develop younger keeper Elene Lete.

Lia Walti (Brighton)

Lia Walti joins Brighton after a season at Juventus. Walti, a Swiss international and former Arsenal midfielder who won the WSL in 2019 and the Champions League in 2025, brings leadership and composure to Brighton's midfield. Her presence follows Fran Kirby’s influence last season, when Brighton reached the FA Cup final for the first time and secured seventh place.

Former Brighton coach Dario Vidosic described Walti as a quality player and strong leader who will play a big role for the Seagulls.

Alice Sombath (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham’s record signing Alice Sombath spent her early career in France with PSG and Lyon, making over 100 appearances for the eight-time European champions. The 22-year-old defender learned from legends like Wendie Renard and now brings that high-level experience and technical skill to Spurs.

Spurs aim to shore up their defense after conceding 38 goals last season, the fourth-most in the WSL. Sombath adds important depth and quality to help Tottenham push forward under coach Martin Ho.