2024/2025 Women’s Super League: Five key transfers to watch ahead of the new season
From Olivia Smith to Vivianne Miedema, there are plenty of stars to watch ahead of the new WSL season. Read on to find out more.
Football
The Women’s Super League is home to some of the best football players in the world.
This season is no different, with yet another influx of talented stars moving to England for the next step in their career.
Arriving from Spain to Sweden, there are plenty of newcomers to keep an eye on throughout the upcoming season.
As the latest campaign nears, Olympics.com is taking a look at some key signings made by clubs across the grounds.
Spanish midfielder Mariona Caldentey.
Five key transfers ahead of the 24/25 campaign
Mariona Caldentey to Arsenal
Arsenal had a relatively quiet window all things considered, but strengthening three core areas has made it a successful one. A much-needed reinforcement between the sticks and an up-and-coming talented midfielder is among those moves, but it is the arrival of Mariona Caldentey from FC Barcelona that is the real headliner.
The 28-year-old arrives on the back of a 10-goal and nine-assist season with the Catalan giants last term, in which they routinely dominated Liga F as well as lifting the UEFA Champions League for the third time in their history.
She is the kind of game-changer that can turn one point into three. Her directness and physical nature will give the North London club a real presence going forward, something they have been lacking of late. Mariona’s slick way of play will raise the floor of Arsenal’s all-round play, as well as being a bona fide winner – given Arsenal have not won the league since 18/19, this will be a welcomed addition.
Olivia Smith to Liverpool
After finishing fourth ahead of Manchester United last season, perhaps a bigger transfer window was expected of Liverpool to push on and potentially challenge for the title next season. With just three additions to combat seven departures, it has been the furthest thing from.
But one of those arrivals is the highly-touted Olivia Smith, who joined from Sporting for what was a club record fee this summer. The 19-year-old Canadian is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents with a limitless ceiling. Last season saw her score 13 goals in 18 appearances, making her a great pick-up for the Merseyside club.
While they’ve not had an influx of players coming through the door, the quality of them matters, and landing their primary target ahead of the new campaign will give her plenty of time to settle in and hit the ground running.
Katine Veje to Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are the latest newcomers to the WSL, securing promotion after being crowned Championship winners in the 23/24 campaign. Looking to avoid the curse of going straight back down, they have been particularly active in the transfer window.
The London outfit has made smart moves, including several internationals with a healthy mix of experience and youth. But arguably their most important move ahead of a big season has been the signing of Danish defender Katrine Veje from Everton.
At 33, she is experienced both internationally and domestically, enjoying a brief stint at Arsenal in which she won the WSL, along with two years with the Toffees. Bringing in a seasoned professional who knows this league and how to survive it is key for Palace, and could be the difference between staying up or finding themselves back in the Championship.
Vivianne Miedema to Manchester City
This is perhaps the biggest move of the WSL transfer window, with a league-legend moving between rivals. Vivianne Miedema is the league’s all-time top scorer and joined Manchester City on a free transfer following the end of her time at rivals Arsenal. Though still working back to her best after suffering an ACL injury, there is no doubt she has plenty to offer on and off the pitch.
Head coach Gareth Taylor seems to know the trick to getting the best out of a striker. Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has been leading City’s line for the last three seasons, registering a 20-goal campaign in the previous two. Adding the Dutch striker to the mix, with Miedema scoring anywhere between 14 and 22 in pre-ACL form, could be a shrewd acquisition for the title hopefuls.
Last term they agonisingly missed out on lifting the WSL trophy on goal difference no less, finishing on the same amount of points as champions Chelsea. Just 10 strikes came between them and a piece of silverware, so bolstering their forward line with a proven striker could prove to be the difference this time around.
Can Vivianne Miedema get back to her best at new club Manchester City?
Maite Oroz to Spurs
Midfield reinforcements were essential for Spurs, with Maite Oroz being one of two additions to the squad. After a failed attempt to secure the permanent signing of loanee Grace Clinton—who is now set to feature in Manchester United's first team next season—a replacement was needed.
As a result, they turned to Oroz on deadline day to bring the 26-year-old from Real Madrid to London, and it is an excellent signing for them. A co-captain of Las Blancas, she has experience leading in the middle of the park, making almost 150 appearances for them.
It will also help that Spurs secured another arrival from Madrid in the form of Hayley Raso, so settling into her new environment should be made that little bit easier for Oroz. A player who can contribute going forward, she is exactly the kind of profile to fill the gap left by Clinton, who was Spurs’s standout player during the 23/24 campaign.