Arsenal Ladies
Arsenal’s major signing this season is in fact a re-signing, as forward Lianne Sanderson re-joins the Gunners from American side Boston Breakers, where she was named “The Most Valuable Player” in the 2013-14 season. Sanderson has won 45 caps for England and scored 15 goals, including the winner in the Cyprus Cup final against Canada earlier this month.
Birmingham City Ladies
After progressing through the ranks at Arsenal, making her WSL debut with the club in 2013 and scoring in their Champions League 7-1 victory over Russian side CSHVSM Kairat, 20 year old striker Freda Ayisi has opted for a move to the West Midlands. Birmingham will be hoping the England U-23 international can add to their fire-power this season and help them score more goals then her former team, who netted 24 last season compared to Birmingham’s 20.
Bristol Academy
Bristol Academy have looked across the English borders this closed season, signing Scotland midfielder Christie Murray and Welsh quartet Lauren Townsend, Hayley Ladd, Nadia Lawrence and Sharla Passariello. Coach Dave Edmondson had a massive shake-up after his side beat Barcelona in the Champions League in November to reach the last eight of Europe for the first time in their history, which saw the departure of 6 first-team members. Of all his new signings it seems Lauren Townsend is the one Edmondson is most keen to integrate in to his squad, saying of the Wales international, “Lauren is a good technical player who can offer an attacking threat from defence. Her ability and attitude has thoroughly impressed us in training. She is a strong addition to the team, one I am looking forward to working with over the season.”
Chelsea Ladies
Last year’s runners up have made a double signing from Sweden in the shape of Hedvig Lindahl and 19 year old striker Marija Banusic. In 2012 Banusic scored 16 goals in just 8 appearances for IK Sirius making her a target for numerous clubs in Sweden’s top division. After spending one season with Kristianstads DFF she decided to make the move to Chelsea where manager Emma Hayes will hoping her creativity and young talent will add an extra dimension to her side’s attack in their quest for silverware.
Liverpool Ladies
As far as headlines go, it is Liverpool Ladies who have made the biggest signing of 2015, with Asisat Oshoala joining the champions and becoming the first African footballer to play in the WSL. The 20-year old striker chose Liverpool after a multiple of clubs were rumoured to be trying to sign her – and as Africa’s player of the year, African Cup of Nations winner, golden boot winner and player of the tournament at the U-20’s World Cup, it is hardly a surprise. A top talent in world football this signing is a huge scalp for Matt Beard’s side.
Manchester City
Experienced England defender Lucy Bronze is an excellent signing for Nick Cushing who’s side look to build on their league form after finishing 5th in their first season in the highest division. Bronze left reigning champions Liverpool ladies after winning back to back titles with the club, to start a new challenge with City who desperately need to tighten up their defence this season after being the only club in the top 6 to finish with a negative goal difference last year.
Notts County
County have looked to strengthen all areas of their young squad ahead of the new season but their most valuable signing is arguably defender Laura Basset who joined from Chelsea. Bassett is a vastly experienced centre-back and has played for some of the game’s biggest teams including WSL 1 rivals Arsenal and Birmingham City. She has earned nearly 50 caps for England and has been a key figure in the country’s qualification campaign for this year’s World Cup in Canada. Manager Rick Passmoor will be hoping the addition of Bassett and fellow England international Alex Greenwood at the back will help his side improve on last season’s 6th place finish.
Sunderland Ladies
Newly-promoted Sunderland Ladies have been the least busy during the closed season, but they did manage to get Scottish international striker Suzanne Mulvey and Doncaster Rovers Belles defender Victoria Williams to sign on the dotted line. Head coach Mick Mulhern will be hoping these additions help his side achieve their one main aim for the season – survival.
