6 WSL transfers that could happen before WSL transfer window ends | OneFootball

There is just over 12 hours to go before the January transfer window closes for the Women’s Super League (WSL).

It’s been a busy month for clubs across the division and there have been some high profile moves with USWNT defender Naomi Girma becoming the world’s most expensive female footballer following her move from San Diego Wave to Chelsea last week. Brazil international Kerolin also made the move to England as she joined Manchester City as a free agent.

Lower down the table, Everton have been extremely active in the market as they completed a permanent move for former Manchester United player Hayley Ladd, while they also signed Emma Watson on loan among other moves. Liverpool have also signed Julia Bartel on loan from Chelsea and midfielder Sam Kerr from Bayern Munich until the end of the season.

As the clock ticks down, 90min have looked at six moves that could happen before the window slams shut at 11pm on Thursday night…

Keira Walsh moves to Chelsea

Keira Walsh moved to Barcelona in 2022 / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Speculation has intensified over the last 24 hours that Keira Walsh is set for a late move to Chelsea.

According to the BBC, the Blues have been interested in signing the midfielder from Barcelona for a while.

However, they aren't the only WSL club who've expressed interest in the England international. It was reported in Spanish media that the Catalan side turned down a £930,000 offer from Arsenal last September.

If Chelsea do manage to secure Walsh at the final hour, the west London club would've had both an expensive and successful transfer window, bolstering their squad as they continue to create an even greater points lead at the top of the WSL standings.

They broke the women's transfer world record last week to sign USWNT defender Naomi Girma in a deal worth $1.1 million (£890,000).

Chloe Kelly’s Manchester City exit

Chloe Kelly's Manchester City future is up in the air / Carl Recine/GettyImages

One of the biggest WSL stories of the transfer window centres around City attacker Chloe Kelly. The 26-year-old is out of contract in the summer and is yet to agree fresh terms with the Manchester club.

United have been tipped as a potential destination this month, while rumours indicate a number of clubs in the league, including Everton, have enquired about her availability on loan. That being said, given the injuries City have had to manage this season, it is understandable if they want to keep Kelly on their books until the summer, even if that means losing her for nothing.

It would be surprising if she doesn’t move, however, given Kelly will be eager to increase her playing time ahead of the Euros in July. Sarina Wiegman shared at the end of last year that the player’s lack of minutes was a concern, so she risks losing her place if she does not feature more in the second half of the campaign.

Kelly herself waded in on the ongoing speculation on Wednesday night, posting an Instagram message, writing: "With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country.

"However, to be dictated whom I can and can't join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental wellbening. The situation has been dragged on for too long, it's disappointing and not right."

Arsenal sign a defender

USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger / John Wilkinson/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages

Among the likelier deals to be completed is Arsenal’s move for USA defender Jenna Nighswonger. She predominantly plays as a left back which means her arrival would ease the load on Katie McCabe, while it could also allow the Republic of Ireland international to play further up the pitch when necessary.

The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Gunners have agreed a $100,000 fee to sign the 24-year-old from Gotham FC this month. If rumours are true, that deal will no doubt be announced in the next 24 hours.

Eve Perisset leaves Chelsea

Chelsea defender Eve Perisset / Diego Souto/GettyImages

Following Girma’s move to Chelsea last week, it is fair to say there are a handful of players that may be deemed surplus to requirements at the London club. European players will also be conscious of the Euros this summer when considering their game time.

French right back Eve Perisset has struggled for regular game time this season under Sonia Bompastor following Lucy Bronze’s arrival. Ashley Lawrence also provides cover on both flanks and is often picked ahead of Perisset.

Those keeping a close eye will have noticed that the defender was not in the squad for Sunday’s WSL win over Arsenal and has been linked with a move to the NWSL this window. Whether anything materialises in the final 24 hours remains to be seen, but given she is out of contract in a matter of months, Chelsea could look to cash in.

Aniek Nouwen loan

Dutch central defender Aniek Nouwen / Catherine Ivill/GettyImages

On the topic of Chelsea defenders that could be out the door, 25-year-old Aniek Nouwen hasn't featured under Bompastor this season following her return from an ACL injury. With Girma’s arrival now confirmed, it is unlikely that will change as Millie Bright, Nathalie Bjorn, Maelys Mpome and Lawrence are all capable of playing at centre back.

After Nouwen signed a contract extension with Chelsea earlier this month, head of women's football Paul Green confirmed they will monitor the defender's fitness with a view to a possible loan move. This will have certainly alerted a number of clubs both in England and abroad, so the Dutch international is certainly one to keep an eye on in the final hours of the window.

Sam Coffey to Chelsea

USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey has been linked with Chelsea / Teresa Kroeger/USSF/GettyImages

If Girma wasn’t enough, Chelsea could once again look to the NWSL market for one further big addition this month. A report from the BBC this week claimed the London club have shown interest in USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey and have held informal discussions with her representatives.

It has been suggested Bompastor wants to bolster her defensive midfield options, but time is certainly ticking if they wish to pursue Coffey. The 26-year-old is currently back training with the Portland Thorns as preparations for the 2025 NWSL season gets underway which, reading between the lines, indicates nothing is imminent.