The Women’s Super League welcomes a host of new international stars, including Alyssa Thompson and Ellie Carpenter at Chelsea, Sydney Lohmann and Iman Beney at Manchester City, Fridolina Rolfo at Manchester United, and Grace Geyoro at London City Lionesses. These signings promise to elevate the league’s competitiveness and excitement.
The Women's Super League (WSL) transfer window has slammed shut, and the focus now shifts to the pitch where a host of new stars are ready to make their mark. Following a summer of high-profile moves and record-breaking transfer fees, the WSL is poised for another thrilling season. Building on the foundations laid by players like Lauren James, Mariona Caldentey, Lucy Bronze, Vivianne Miedema, and Yui Hasegawa, a fresh wave of talent is set to electrify the league, boasting Champions League winners and Euro 2025 stars among their ranks.
Here's a closer look at six key summer signings who could light up the WSL this season:
Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)
Chelsea, fresh off a dominant season that saw them clinch a sixth successive WSL title as part of a domestic treble, have bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of United States forward Alyssa Thompson from Angel City. The Blues have their eyes firmly set on a maiden Champions League crown, and Thompson's arrival signals their intent. At just 20 years old, Thompson has already amassed 22 caps for the US Women's National Team (USWNT) and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting attacking talents in the world. Her explosive pace, creativity, and relentless aggression make her a nightmare for defenders. Thompson became the youngest draft pick in NWSL history when Angel City selected her first overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft at the tender age of 18. Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea manager and current USWNT coach, lauded Thompson as "easily been one of the best players in the NWSL this year". Thompson's lightning speed and dribbling wizardry promise to add another dimension to Chelsea's already formidable attack.
Ellie Carpenter (Chelsea)
Adding further steel to their squad, Chelsea have also secured the services of Australian full-back Ellie Carpenter from Lyon. The 25-year-old arrives on a four-year deal after a successful stint in France, where she lifted two Champions League trophies. Carpenter, who previously worked under current Blues boss Sonia Bompastor at Lyon, is a seasoned international with 87 caps to her name. She made her international debut at just 15 years old and became the youngest woman to play football at an Olympics at 16. She has since established herself as one of the best right-backs in the world. "She is an athletic full-back who loves to get forward," said Paul Green, head of women's football at Chelsea. "We are excited to see how she continues to develop and what she will add to an already talented squad of players." Carpenter's arrival sets up an intriguing battle for the right-back spot with England's Lucy Bronze.
Sydney Lohmann (Manchester City)
Image source, Getty ImagesSydney Lohmann could make her WSL debut on Friday, 5 September
Manchester City have added a physical presence to their midfield with the signing of Sydney Lohmann. The 25-year-old German international, standing at 5ft 9in, brings a wealth of experience from Bayern Munich, where she spent eight years in the first team. During her time with the German giants, Lohmann won four league titles and finished as a runner-up in the 2022 Champions League. Known for her relentless running and goal-scoring threat, Lohmann earned 42 caps for Germany and impressed at Euro 2025. "I can't imagine a better time than now," she told BBC Sport about moving to England. "This country is crazy about football, and in Manchester, there is a different vibe. When you speak about football, it doesn't matter if it is women's or men's they are so excited about it."
Fridolina Rolfo (Manchester United)
Manchester United sent shockwaves through the WSL when they announced the signing of Sweden international Fridolina Rolfo from Barcelona. The versatile Rolfo, who typically operates on the left flank, brings a wealth of experience to a United side that has qualified for the Champions League. During her time at Barcelona, she won four Liga F titles and two Champions League trophies, scoring an impressive 40 goals in 131 appearances. The 31-year-old, who finished fourth in the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or, has earned over 100 caps for Sweden and has scored 33 goals for her country. Rolfo cited the appeal of the WSL as a major factor in her decision to join United, describing it as "probably the strongest league in the world right now".
Iman Beney (Manchester City)
Image source, Getty ImagesIman Beney impressed at Euro 2025 playing for host nation Switzerland
Teenage sensation Iman Beney burst onto the European stage with impressive performances for Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland. The 19-year-old was a standout performer as Switzerland reached the knockout stages of a European Championship for the first time. She scored nine goals in 22 appearances for YB Frauen as they claimed their first Swiss title since 2011, and was also named in the Swiss Super League Team of the Season. A former teammate has praised her potential and footballing IQ. Beney's pace and versatility will add a new dimension to City's attack.
Grace Geyoro (London City Lionesses)
Perhaps the most unexpected move of the transfer window, WSL newcomers London City Lionesses have secured the signature of Paris St-Germain midfielder Grace Geyoro. The French international, with over 100 caps, is a product of PSG's youth academy and a two-time Champions League runner-up. The 28-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe and brings a wealth of Champions League experience to the Lionesses. Geyoro is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for her ability to set the tempo of a game and contribute both defensively and offensively. Her arrival is a major coup for London City Lionesses and signals their ambition to compete at the highest level of the WSL.