Although the upcoming summer World Cup may be consuming the media outlets, there are pivotal player changes occurring to next seasons Women’s Super League. Alessia Russo becoming a Gunner, Jill Roord returning to the WSL and Lucy Parker jumping ship to another Claret and Blue club- it’s all happening! But, just how important are these transfers?
As it’s early days in this summer transfer window, changes have been kept to a minimum so far. Here’s 3 transfers you ought to look out for when the 2023/24 WSL season commences:
Alessia Russo
The last moments of the January window sparked excitement and debate amongst Gooers, as Alessia Russo was spotlighted across social media as a potential signing, with a record-breaking offer of £500k. Fast-forward 7 months, it has been confirmed that the England striker will travel down to North London to represent the Gunners next season.
An attacking threat, with great strength and dominance, the 24-year-old is an exciting addition to Jonas Eidevall’s side. As a catalyst for Arsenal’s downfall in an early match last season- as she scored the last-minute winner at the Emirates Stadium- Arsenal will be very pleased to have this skilful player on their side instead of against next season. Russo, and now fellow arsenal teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy, set off for their travels yesterday to Australia with the Lionesses.
Jill Roord
The 26-year-old Dutch International has said farewell to VFL Wolfsburg, after joining Manchester City ahead of next season. A return to the Women’s Super league, after two years in an Arsenal shirt between 2019 and 2021, comes at a club-record fee of more than £300,000.
Roord is the definition of a game changer, with her ability to transfer play easily from central areas of the pitch out wide or up top. The midfielders isn’t shy in front of goal either, as she found the net 31 times in 69 appearances for Wolfsburg. With the change from. Although she came close to a Champions League title in a green shirt, is Roord the missing piece to help Steph Houghton and the team secure European football?
Lucy Parker
Carla Ward has been rebuilding Aston Villa in the last year, with Lucy Parker a pivotal piece in next seasons puzzle. Despite the 24-year-olds own injury crisis throughout last season, the versatile defender broke into the England squad.
A two-year deal with the option of extending for a further year has been accepted by both the Hammers and Parker, in which she enter the club after their highest finish in the WSL (fifth). Villa are at an exciting time in the club’s existence, meaning this window is vital to create a good dynamic in the team, so Lucy Parker’s front-footed ball-playing ability is bound to help.
With just two weeks until the World Cup, many international players will be gaining club security for next season before they reach Australia. What signings should be made in the Women’s Super League?
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