WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY

The five-minute read for dedicated-ish fans of women’s football.

This week: We prep for the return of the WSL, explore the biggest moves in the transfer window so far, and celebrate two football royal weddings. Enjoy!

– Jo, founder of Twentytwo

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⚽ CATCH UP

WSL is back…

Domestic football kicks off again this week, so here’s a quick reminder of how things stand going into the second half of the season.

1. Manchester City are six points clear of Chelsea, who dropped points after their unbeaten run was ended by none other than Everton. Who’d have thought? City will need to keep their heads; Chelsea will pounce on any slip-ups.

2. West Ham and Liverpool are looking at a relegation battle if they don’t get a grip on things. We expect a flurry of signings by both.

3. Before Christmas, West Ham and London City Lionesses sacked their managers and have bright shiny replacements - let’s see if it makes any difference.

4. The next four weekends have some juicy fixtures with top-four clashes every weekend. (Man City vs Chelsea on the 1 Feb could be a spicy one - get that in the diary!)

5. Finally, if you play Aerial fantasy (aka Fantasy WSL), don’t forget you have unlimited transfers this week. I’ll be attempting the comeback of all comebacks. If you’ve not played before, it’s not too late - start by downloading the app.

AS IT STANDS, GOING INTO 2026

🚨ICYMI

Top Headlines

🏅 Sarina Wiegman has been made an honorary dame. A mix of past and present players and backroom staff, including Leah Williamson, Kiera Walsh, Kerry Davis (England’s first black female international player), and Dr Ritan Mehta (Lionesses head of medical), were also recognised in the New Year Honours for services to football. See the full list here

🦁 London City Lionesses have appointed Spaniard Eder Maestre as head coach until 2028, bringing in the former Tenerife and Real Sociedad boss known for organised, on‑the‑ball football and for developing younger players. Looks like a perfect fit for the club’s long‑term project.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Jess Fishlock is in talks to join Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson’s backroom team for World Cup qualifying, with both keen to find a coaching role that fits around her Seattle Reign commitments after retiring from international duty in October. Fishlock has been a huge presence on and off the field for Wales; she’d be a huge asset as they head into the playoffs. Read more

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

→ We’re loving this interview from Suzzane Wrack as Jess Carter reflects on the pressures of Euro 2025 – The Guardian

 🤓 KNOWLEDGE

Beginner’s Guide to: Transfer Windows

The WSL transfer window is open for business and closes on 3 February. But what actually is a transfer window, why does it matter, and what should you be keeping an eye on?

First up: what are transfer windows?

• There are two each season: summer, for big rebuilds, and January, for short-term fixes.

• During the window, clubs can buy, sell or loan players. Outside of it, you’re stuck with the squad you’ve got.

• January is often a seller’s market. Expect loans, short-term deals and the occasional panic buy as clubs scramble to patch gaps until the end of the season.

• You’ll also see short contract extensions for players whose deals expire in the summer — a way for clubs to buy time and avoid losing players on a free.

What does “leaving on a free” mean?

• Exactly that. When a contract expires, a player can leave without a transfer fee and join another club for free.

• Clubs hate it. If a player isn’t going to re-sign, it’s usually better to sell early and get some money in.

So what should we expect this January?

• Man United need depth across the pitch as they juggle domestic football and the Champions League. Don’t be surprised if they bring in four or five players before the deadline.

• Tottenham have impressed so far (currently fifth), but injuries are piling up. Cover out wide and some attacking reinforcement feels likely.

• West Ham and Liverpool are already in trouble at the bottom of the table. January could be about survival — and that’s where panic buys often appear.

• Big contracts are also one to watch. Players like Lucy Bronze and Stina Blackstenius are entering the final months of their deals, so expect extension talks — or contingency planning — to heat up.

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Transfer Round-up

CONFIRMED MOVES

→ Arsenal: Smilla Holmberg (in, permanent from BK Häcken) – Renée Slegers gets a versatile, athletic 19-year-old, who can carry and link play, and fits the push for a high‑energy midfield. Naomi Williams and Cecily Wellesley‑Smith return from loan for depth.​

→ Aston Villa: Katie Robinson (loan ended, returned from Everton) – the winger adds pace and directness to the attack with Nunes sidelined.​

→ Liverpool: Alice Bergström (in, permanent from BK Häcken) – mobile pressing forward billed as a great first signing; pundits say her movement is exactly what Liverpool need to escape relegation trouble.​

→ Manchester United: Lea Schüller (in, permanent from Bayern) is a huge signing for United. A clinical finisher with 100+ goals. ESPN call her a “fox in the box”, perfect for United’s attack and comes with a deal to 2029. Hanna Lundkvist (in, permanent from San Diego) adds right‑flank energy for their Europe escapades.​ Gabby George, Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland and Lisa Naalsund have all had their one-year extension option triggered by the club.

→ Tottenham Hotspur: A busy window already with Julie Blakstad (permanent from Brann, versatile player on the left); Maika Hamano (loan from Chelsea, sharp forward); Hanna Wijk (permanent from Häcken, attacking full‑back) and Matilda Nildén (permanent from Häcken, pacy forward with 23 goals last season,  and yes, she’s reuniting with sister Amanda).

RUMOUR HAS IT:

→ Estelle Cascarino could be on her way to West Ham.

→ Leicester City are looking to nab Sarah Mayling on a short-term loan and sign Spurs legend Ashleigh Neville permanently.

→ Denise O’Sullivan is said to be heading to Liverpool from North Carolina Courage.

👟 KIT DROP

Top Sales Pick…
We’ve got our eye on these Adidas F50 Sparkfusion Boots. This women-specific boot has up to 45% off right now, so you can grab a pair from £50, depending on which model you go for.

P.S. If you don’t understand boot take-down models, check out our guide here.

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

Upcoming Events

The Ladies Football Club
28-February-28 March, The Crucible, Sheffield

With World War 1 forcing men onto the front line to fight, the women of Sheffield take their place in the factories, constructing the bombs and the bullets. Then they start kicking a football around on their lunch breaks. Get your tickets

Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up

📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (BST)

Saturday 10th January 2026
WSL

• Arsenal vs Manchester United (12:30, Sky Sports)
  A must-watch – only 1 point between them. Any slip-ups from either team could have big end-of-season consequences.

Sunday 11th January 2026
WSL

• Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion (12:00, Sky Sports+, WSL Youtube)

• Chelsea vs West Ham United (12:00, Sky Sports Mix)

• Manchester City vs Everton (12:00, Sky Sports, Sky Showcase)

• Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City (12:00, Sky Sports+, WSL Youtube)

• Liverpool vs London City Lionesses (14:30, BBC Red Button, iPlayer)

WSL2: One to watch

Newcastle United vs Birmingham City (14:00, WSL2 Youtube)
Only three points separate them in the top four of WSL2.

🗓️ DATES FOR THE DIARY:

• WSL & WSL2: Back on 10-11 January

• Champions League Round of 16: 11-19 February

• Champions Cup Semi-Finals: 28 January

• FA Cup Fourth Round: 15-18 January

• Subway League Cup Semi Finals: Wednesday 21 January 2026, 7pm KO

• World Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Start from 26 February. More info here

👀 FAVE FINDS

Wedding Season

This weekend saw two football royal weddings take over our socials. The GOAT herself, Marta, married Carrie Lawrence (with the cutest ring bearer ever), while Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis tied the knot on the West Coast of Australia. Check out their Vogue takeover.

They're Lesbians Stacey: The Final Chapter

Sam & Kristie’s big day wouldn’t be complete without Stacey. Yes, that Stacy.

“They’re lesbians, Stacey” is must-know women’s football lore, so in case you’re new to this, we’ll need to rewind to after the USA vs Australia match at the Olympics in 2021, and this is where it started…

And it all came full circle in the end…

And that’s it. See you next week!

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