Ranked: 10 best January transfers in the WSL | OneFootball

The dust has now settled on what was a hectic January transfer window as records were broken and big names were on the move.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal were among the top clubs to do business, while those lower down the Women’s Super League (WSL) table made sure to bolster their squads. Chloe Kelly, Kerolin, Keira Walsh and Naomi Girma were some of the most well-known stars to complete moves and all four make the top 10 transfers of the window.

Here, 90min have ranked the top 10 deals based on each player’s potential and what they can offer their new club...

10. Sam Kerr (Bayern Munich to Liverpool)

Scotland international Sam Kerr signed for Liverpool last month / Lewis Storey/GettyImages

Liverpool’s limited budget in January meant they heavily utilised the loan market, but the calibre of new additions was impressive. The Reds’ first arrival of the window was Bayern Munich midfielder Sam Kerr, who joined on a short-term deal until the end of the season.Matt Beard’s side was in desperate need of midfield reinforcements following Sofie Lundgaard’s ACL injury at the beginning of the season. Fuka Nagano and Marie Hobinger have also both had minor injury concerns this term, so Kerr’s arrival adds both depth and quality.

9. Emma Watson (Man Utd to Everton)

Manchester United midfielder Emma Watson is on loan at Everton / Lewis Storey/GettyImages

Manchester United midfielder Emma Watson is one of the up and coming talents in the game, but an ACL injury in 2023 severely hampered her development with the Red Devils. Having returned to fitness this season, it was crucial for the 19-year-old to get regular match minutes, which meant a January loan was inevitable.Watson has already displayed her quality in cup appearances for Everton since making the move and certainly has the potential to become a key player for the Toffees in the second half of the campaign. Minutes will need to be managed given the extent of the injury, but it already appears a positive move for both clubs and the player.

8. Kelly Gago (Nantes to Everton)

Kelly Gago signed for Everton from FC Nantes / Lewis Storey/GettyImages

Another of Everton’s January arrivals, this time on a permanent basis, was French striker Kelly Gago. The 26-year-old signed from FC Nantes and she has already scored two goals in her three WSL appearances so far.With Everton battling it out at the wrong end of the league table, a clinical striker could be crucial if they’re to avoid the drop this season and retain their place in the top flight.

7. Kerolin (North Carolina Courage to Man City)

Kerolin arrived at Manchester City from North Carolina Courage / Cameron Smith - Danehouse/GettyImages

Manchester City’s move for Kerolin is one for the present and the future. The Brazilian is capable of making an impact on the team now, while she also fills a long-term void in the squad that will be left by Kelly’s departure.It will likely take a little while for Kerolin to settle in a new league and country, but she certainly has the potential to become a real force in the WSL this season and beyond.

6. Rebecca Knaak (FC Rosengard to Man City)

Rebecca Knaak arrived at Manchester City from FC Rosengard / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

City’s need for defensive cover has been glaring for quite some time, not least because of Alex Greenwood’s injury. Therefore, it was no surprise to see the Manchester club announce a deal to sign Rebecca Knaak from Swedish side FC Rosengard extremely early in the window.The 28-year-old has featured regularly since her arrival and will no doubt be a key addition as City battle it out on all fronts for the remainder of the season.

5. Laura Wienroither (Arsenal to Man City)

Laura Wienroither moved to Manchester City on loan / Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Arsenal defender Laura Wienroither suffered an ACL injury in the summer of 2023 and returned to fitness last season. This term, however, the 26-year-old’s game time has been limited to just five appearances across all competitions.As mentioned, City were in desperate need of defensive reinforcement this window and they’ve certainly found that with their new additions. It has all the potential to be a solid move for the club and the player.

4. Julia Bartel (Chelsea to Liverpool)

Liverpool signed Julia Bartel on loan from Chelsea / Jess Hornby/GettyImages

It speaks volumes to Julia Bartel’s impact in such a short space of time that Liverpool fans are already desperate to keep the 20-year-old on a permanent basis. They say not to fall in love with loan players, but that’s going to be extremely difficult in Liverpool’s case.The youngster’s technical ability is clear and it took just 49 minutes of playing time across all competitions for Bartel to register her first goal contribution when she assisted midfielder Sam Kerr, also a January loan addition, in the 5-0 FA Cup win over West Ham.

3. Chloe Kelly (Man City to Arsenal)

Chloe Kelly joined Arsenal on loan from Manchester City / Carl Recine/GettyImages

One of the biggest stories throughout the transfer window was Chloe Kelly’s future at Manchester City. The 27-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the current season, but her limited game time ahead of the Euros pointed towards a January exit.That being said, it wasn’t until Kelly posted a statement the day before the deadline expressing her dissatisfaction with City’s handling of her future that things truly got moving. Manchester United were also linked with the player, but City opted to accept Arsenal’s bid to avoid doing business with one of their closest rivals.

2. Keira Walsh (Barcelona to Chelsea)

Keira Walsh has returned to the WSL / Christian Bruna/GettyImages

England midfielder Keira Walsh had long been tipped to return to the WSL sooner rather than later as the 27-year-old was out of contract with the Liga F side at the end of the season. Arsenal’s interest was no secret and they reportedly had what would have been a world record bid at the time rejected by Barcelona at the end of the summer transfer window.It is for that reason Chelsea’s pursuit at the end of the January transfer window came as a surprise. Not only did they sign one of the best midfielders in the world, but they also beat one of their biggest rivals to a key target.

1. Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave to Chelsea)

Naomi Girma is now the most expensive women's football player of all time / BSR Agency/GettyImages

The top transfer of the window was undoubtedly Naomi Girma’s move from NWSL side San Diego Wave to Chelsea. It was a move that rewrote the record books as the defender became the most expensive player in women’s football history.Girma’s arrival at Chelsea arguably places them as one of, if not the favourites to win the Champions League this season. It’s extremely difficult to make this Chelsea team even better, but Girma certainly does.