As the Barclay’s Women’s Super League gears up for another season, fans and the media alike are wondering which teams could break through and defy expectations. With a record-breaking transfer window, key managerial changes and growing financial support, the 2024/25 season could see more surprises than ever.
For the last decade, heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have dominated the WSL, occupying the top three spots every year. With the opening weekend of the season fast approaching, it is time to look at the teams trying to climb the table and break onto the podium.
Liverpool: Momentum Builders
Liverpool ended last season on a high under the guidance of “2023/24 Manager of the Season” Matt Beard. With a thrilling 4-3 win over top-side Chelsea and a climb from a 7th in 2023 to a 4th place finish last season, Liverpool are building serious momentum. With exciting new signings such as Olivia Smith and Gemma Evans, and key players like Leanne Kiernan and Niamh Fahey extending their contracts, could this be Liverpool’s first year in the top three since 2014?
Manchester United: A Title Contender?
Though Manchester United Women’s was only officially formed in 2018, and promoted the following year, they have made a huge impact, regularly finishing in the top four. Despite their historic FA Cup victory last season, they have faced criticisms over their training conditions, and several high-profile players have left during the transfer window, leaving them with a very young team. However, they have recalled 2024 PFA Young Player of the Year Grace Clinton from her successful loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur and appointed new captains Maya le Tissier and Ella Toone who could all be key in their WSL campaign this season.
Aston Villa: The Rising Force
Aston Villa boasts a wealth of experienced players such as Rachel Coarsie, Jordan Nobbs and Rachel Daly, alongside a new manager, Robert de Pauw. The Dutchman has retained the majority of his predecessor’s squad while bringing in exciting new talent to enrich the team. New signings such as Sabrina d’Angelo and Missy Bo Kearns have energised fans ahead of the new season and many think that Villa could continue their steady rise through the table. They have already beaten Liverpool and Everton in their preseason campaign, and with a matchup against champions Chelsea on opening day, could the Villans make waves from the start?
Crystal Palace: The Newcomers
Promotion from the Championship has often been a revolving door with teams tending to be relegated after only one year in the WSL due to the huge differences in standards between the two leagues. Can Crystal Palace beat the curse and stay up in their first season? They face an uphill battle to establish themselves in the WSL but after an exciting transfer window with loan players from the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham and new signings from Ajax and West Ham. These players will bring their experience of playing in high-level leagues to the young team and hopefully help them make a splash in the WSL to give the fans something to cheer about.
Increased Investments: An Important Catalyst
With a staggering £5.18m spent during the summer transfer window - a 125% increase from last year, WSL clubs have spent more than any other women’s football league in the world. After years of financial disparity between the top and bottom of the table, this influx of spending could enable mid-table clubs to rise above their stations and challenge the comfortable giants at the top. The WSL is the most attractive league for foreign talent in the world right now due to record-breaking attendance levels and investment and international stars have flocked to England this summer to showcase their talents and enrich squads. With continued increases in investment into women’s football, the WSL will remain one of the most competitive leagues and keep providing fans with nail-biting matchups and title races.
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