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10 best signings of the 2023-24 WSL season – ranked
The Women’s Super League clubs spent a lot of money again this season. Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United all paid record fees for new players.
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However, none of these players have consistently shone in the league this season for various reasons. Instead, some clever signings have become the best deals this season.
Mayra Ramirez and Jill Roord have been injured in their first seasons at Chelsea and Manchester City. Kyra Cooney-Cross is still adjusting at Arsenal, and Geyse hasn’t been able to help United avoid their worst season in the WSL.
Interestingly, teams outside the ‘big four’ have made the smartest signings this season. However, Chelsea, who are favorites to win the title, still managed a few notable deals.
Here, GOAL counts down the top 10 best signings by WSL clubs in the 2023-24 season
10. Mia Enderby (Liverpool)
When Mia Enderby joined Liverpool in the summer, it seemed like the perfect fit. The England youth player, who started playing for Sheffield United’s first team at 16, was about to begin her career in the Women’s Super League. Liverpool offered a mix of ambition and development, providing a great environment for her. She would need to fight for playing time, but it was within reach given her talent.
Despite some minor injuries, Enderby has excelled whenever she has played. Even the best and most experienced defenders in the league have struggled against the 18-year-old’s speed. While she still needs to improve her finishing, Liverpool has found a future star in Enderby.
9. Emily Fox (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s right-back position has been uncertain for a while, especially after Laura Wienroither suffered an ACL injury last May just as she was securing her place in the team. Signing one of the most promising young defenders in the world, Emily Fox, was a great move.
The U.S. national team star joined Arsenal in January and has shown the high level of skill that earned her a spot on one of the most competitive international teams in the sport.
Although we haven’t seen the 25-year-old at her very best yet, partly due to the short time she’s been with Arsenal and the interruption of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, it’s already clear she has been one of the best signings this season.
8. Matilda Vinberg (Tottenham)
Matilda Vinberg, a January signing for Tottenham, has shown glimpses of her talent despite joining mid-season. Tottenham’s manager, Robert Vilahamn, knew of her abilities from her time playing against his Hacken team in Sweden and quickly brought her to North London during the Damallsvenskan off-season.
Vinberg has added energy, skill, and danger to Tottenham’s attack, which has improved steadily this season. Her arrival in January gave the team a significant boost in what has been a very successful campaign. At 21, she has a very bright future and is expected to keep getting better.
7. Amalie Thestrup (Bristol City)
Amalie Thestrup’s position on this list is lower because of Bristol City’s relegation, but her goals were crucial in delaying their fate. The Danish striker’s past performances in England didn’t suggest she would be such a key player; she didn’t score at all for West Ham last season and only netted four goals for Liverpool in the second tier in 2020-21. However, she has been outstanding for Bristol City, scoring nine of the team’s total 20 goals.
This has been her best season outside Denmark, making her a likely target for other clubs looking for good transfers from the relegated team. However, if Thestrup decides to stay, it would be a boost for Bristol City’s efforts to get promoted again quickly.
6. Grace Clinton (Tottenham)
Grace Clinton’s impact at Tottenham could have made her top this list if she had been a permanent signing. However, she will return to Manchester United after her season-long loan, which is a bit disappointing, especially since she couldn’t play against United in the FA Cup final on Sunday due to the loan terms.
Despite this, Clinton has been crucial to Tottenham’s success this year. Given regular playing time in the WSL, the 21-year-old has thrived, becoming a fan favorite in North London and earning recognition from the England team.
Tottenham’s manager, Robert Vilahamn, wants to buy Clinton this summer, but it’s unlikely United will let her go after she has proven she can be a star in the league.
5. Jutta Rantala (Leicester City)
Jutta Rantala, who joined the WSL from Sweden this season, has quickly become a key player for Leicester City. She leads the team in both goals and assists in the league and played a crucial role in their FA Cup run to the semi-finals, where they almost made it to Wembley.
Her impressive performances are even more remarkable given Leicester’s tough season, with head coach Willie Kirk being suspended and later sacked. Rantala has proven to be a game-changer in her first season at this top level.
4. Martha Thomas (Tottenham)
Before the season started, Tottenham faced a major challenge when Bethany England was sidelined for several months due to a hip operation. England had scored 12 goals in 12 games after joining from Chelsea last January, almost single-handedly keeping the club safe. However, Martha Thomas, a last-minute signing from Manchester United, stepped up to fill the gap.
The Scottish striker scored six goals in her first four games for Tottenham, matching her total from two WSL seasons with the Red Devils. Although injuries have affected her in the second half of the season, Thomas has still delivered crucial moments, including the goal that took Spurs to the FA Cup final at Wembley.
3. Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea)
Some players excel in any position, and Sjoeke Nusken is one of them. When Chelsea announced her signing before this season, she wasn’t very well-known. However, she has made a big impression by scoring 11 goals in all competitions.
Nusken is not typically seen as an attacking player. She is a tough midfielder who can also play in central defense. However, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has utilized Nusken’s smart movement in the attacking third, even having her play against the opposition’s center-backs.
Chelsea has dealt with numerous injuries this season, making Nusken’s versatility even more valuable. The German international has used her adaptability and knack for finding opportunities in attack to become one of the best signings of the season.
2. Marie-Therese Hobinger (Liverpool)
Liverpool made some smart moves in the summer to improve their squad, and Marie-Therese Hobinger stands out as the best among them. The midfielder has been one of the most creative players in the league this year, thanks to her vision, passing ability, and impressive set-piece skills, which were especially evident in the 4-3 win over Chelsea.
Hobinger leads Liverpool in assists and ranks third in the entire WSL, while also being second in the squad for goals scored, just behind striker Sophie Roman Haug. At only 22 years old, she’s poised to keep improving.
1. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Hannah Hampton had to wait until December to debut for Chelsea, leading some to question her decision to move from Aston Villa. However, in the six months since then, the English goalkeeper has become Chelsea’s top choice, surpassing both Ann-Katrin Berger and Zecira Musovic. She’s also putting pressure on Mary Earps for the spot as England’s first-choice goalkeeper, which is no easy feat.
Hampton’s natural talent has helped her succeed, and she deserves praise for her patience and hard work. Despite the wait, the 23-year-old never showed frustration; instead, she focused on earning her chance. Now, it seems she’s set to be Chelsea’s main goalkeeper for many years to come.
