It’s time for our WSL 2023/24 preview! With the WSL’s opening day just around the corner, let’s take a look at the upcoming season.
The last campaign provided another great title chase, and this season should be no different. There have been seismic shifts in player transfers since Chelsea lifted their fourth straight title in May. There have also been retirements and the rise of new talent. New managers have arrived, and several superstars look to return from injury. So, let’s dive into what will surely be an exciting season in the WSL with the top six teams from last season.
Chelsea – Champions, 58 points
The team to beat, Chelsea, shook off an opening-day loss to Liverpool and confidently grabbed their fourth straight WSL title last season.
Chelsea is a strong team as long as Emma Hayes is at the helm. Simply put, Hayes knows how to manage a football team. Her football knowledge is supreme, and she is the consummate student of the game. This year’s World Cup has proven that a poor-quality manager can doom even the most talented team. (Looking at you, USWNT.)
Players out
Magdalena Eriksson – Bayern Munich; Pernille Harder – Bayern Munich; Katie Dungate – Birmingham City; Isabel Milne – Southampton; Emma Thompson – Southampton
Players in
Nicky Evrard – OH Leuven; Sjoeke Nusken – Eintracht Frankfurt; Catarina Macario – Lyon; Alejandra Bernabe – Atletico Madrid; Ashley Lawrence – Paris Saint Germain; Hannah Hampton – Aston Villa; Brooke Aspin – Bristol City; Mia Fishel – Tigres UANL; Wieke Kaptien – FC Twente
Thoughts for the season
This season’s Chelsea side will look very different. The loss of captain Eriksson and superstar striker Harder is huge, but the Blues didn’t sit back. Chelsea has made some tremendous signing and will be just as formidable as last year. They should still be considered a favorite to win the league and make another deep run in the UEFA Champions League.
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester United – 2nd, 56 points
The Red Devils enjoyed their best season ever in the WSL last year. A potent attack, firm backline, and stellar goaltending came together for a top-three finish. After earning their first Champion’s League place, United is hungry to continue their rise in the WSL. Manager Mark Skinner has his hands full with raised expectations, numerous transfers, and possible issues with his all-world goalkeeper.
Players out
Alessia Russo – Arsenal; Ona Batlle – Bracelona; Chloe Williams – Blackburn Rovers; Aissatou Tounkara – Paris Saint Germain; Jade Moore – Birmingham City; Tara Bourne – Sheffield United; Niamh Murphy – Blackburn Rovers; Emily Ramsey – Everton; Ella Kinzett – Sheffield United; Kirsty Hanson – Aston Villa; Maria Thorisdottir – Brighton Hove Albion; Carrie Jones – Bristol City; Adriana Leon – West Ham; Vilde Bøe Risa – Atletico Madrid; Ivana Ferreira-Fuso – Birmingham City; Martha Thomas – Tottenham; Sophie Baggaley – Brighton Hove Albion
Players in
Evie Rabjohn – Aston Villa, Gemma Evans – Reading; Geyse Da Silva Ferreira – Barcelona; Emma Watson – Rangers; Hinata Miyazawa – Mynavi Sendai; Irene Guerrero – Atletico Madrid; Gabby George – Everton; Phallon Tullis-Joyce – OL Reign
Thoughts for the season
Russo’s leaving for Arsenal leaves a massive hole in the United attack, and the signing of World Cup Golden Boot winner Miyazawa can fill that. Geyse Ferreira is another strong threat up front, and the Red Devils still possess an all-around strong attack. The worry is on their defense, which has lost several quality players, and their goalkeeper situation. The rumour mill is swirling strongly that Mary Earps wants out and is being strongly sought by Arsenal. The signing of US international Tullis-Joyce gives them another quality keeper should they lose Earps in the near future.
Embed from Getty ImagesArsenal – 3rd, 47 points
The Gunners had a very up-and-down season last year. A Conti Cup championship and UWCL semi-finals were tempered by uncharacteristic losses and a slew of injuries to key players. Jonas Eidevall’s side made several big signings last year and aims to return to the top.
Players out
Rafaelle Souza – Orlando Pride; Fran Stenson – Sheffield United; Mana Iwabuchi – retired; Anna Patten – Aston Villa
Players in
Amanda Ilestedt – Paris Saint Germain; Cloe Lacasse – Benfica; Alessia Russo – Man United; Laia Codina Panedas – Barcelona; Kyra Cooney-Cross – Hammarby IF
Thoughts for the season
The already vaunted Arsenal attack is bolstered by the signing of Russo and Lacasse. Superstars Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead near their return to the pitch, and Stina Blackstenius has been playing superb football. As defenders Leah Williamson and Laura Weinroither are also improving in their injury rehab, the Gunners are looking to field a very strong side this campaign. Can they get back to the top?
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester City – 4th, 47 points
City finished out of the top three for the first time in ten years last season. The Cityzens were relatively quiet in the transfer window this year and signed several key players to new contracts. Captain and all-world defender Steph Houghton signed on for her tenth season at the helm. Superstar striker Bunny Shaw re-signed, ensuring a strong City attack. Gareth Taylor’s side is very consistent and looking to get back into the Champions League.
Players Out
Hayley Raso – Real Madrid; Maria Francis Jones – Burnley
Players In
Jill Roord – Wolfsburg
Thoughts for the season
The addition of Roord, who has previous WSL experience, adds another proven goal-scorer to the City side. Combined with Shaw’s constant threat in front of goal, look for City to put the ball in the net regularly. Featuring a huge contingent of players with big-game international experience, this year’s side has to be considered one of the favorites to win the league.
Embed from Getty ImagesAston Villa – 5th, 37 points
The Villans had an excellent showing in the league last year and are hoping to challenge the Big Four for those coveted Champion’s League spots. Carla Ward’s side has been very busy in the transfer window. The addition of several exciting new players should bolster Villa’s charge.
Players out
Evie Rabjohn – Man City, Remi Allen – Birmingham City; Emily Gielnick; Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah – London City; Ruseha Littlejohn – London City, Natasha Harding; Sian Rogers – Charlton Athletic; Elsiha N’Dow – Charlton Athletic; Hannah Hampton – Chelsea; Meaghan Seargent – Retired; Olivia Rabjohn – West Bromwich
Players in
Daphne van Domeslaar – FC Twente, Lucy Parker – West Ham; Anna Patten – Arsenal; Kirsty Hanson – Man United; Sophia Poor – Leicester City; Ebony Salmon – Houston Dash; Adriana Leon – Man United
Thoughts for the season
The signing of star Dutch goalkeeper van Domeslaar was a big one for Villa. One of the best in the game right now, she instantly helps the Villan backline. The return of Salmon brings an exciting, talented striker — Ebony Salmon is fast! She will be a treat to watch on the Villa attack. Expect big things from the Villans this season.
Embed from Getty ImagesEverton – 6th, 30 points
Everton had a very successful season last year and saw a marked improvement from the 2021/22 season. The Toffees put the ball in the net more often and kept it out of their own net more often. Several strong signings have Brian Sørensen’s side looking at another successful season.
Players out
Leonie Maier – TSG 1899 Hoffenheim; Rikki Sevecke; Izzy Christiansen – Retired; Gabby George – Man United
Players in
Martina Piemonte – AC Milan; Emily Ramsey – Man United; Emma Bissel – Florida State University; Justine Vanhaevermaet – Reading; Karoline Olesen – Fortuna Hjørring; Heather Payne – Florida State University
Thoughts for the season
Everton enjoyed a strong season in 2022, and they look to have a good season ahead of them this year. A squad with established players in their prime, the Toffees can run with any team in the WSL. With the likes of Hanna Bennison, Nathalie Björn, Toni Duggan, Aurora Galli, and Katrine Veje, this is a side with proven winners. Look for them to make some noise in the WSL this season.
