Arsenal
Arsenal have an impressive in-tray. The deadline-day signing of the highly regarded midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross was the icing on the cake. Alessia Russo finally made her move from Manchester United alongside the forward Cloé Lacasse from Benfica. The departure of Rafaelle was a real blow but the arrival of Amanda Ilestedt and the World Cup winner Laia Codina have bolstered them defensively. The right-back role remains the position that looks lacking. 4/5
Aston Villa
Carla Ward is known for her strength at recruitment, and the manager continued her hot streak despite seeing 10 departures. Getting the Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was a big coup. The young forward Ebony Salmon was another strong signing while Lucy Parker has performed solidly at West Ham. Making Kirsty Hanson and Anna Patten both permanent after successful loan spells provides continuity while the Canada forward Adriana Leon also adds options. 5/5
Brighton
Melissa Phillips arrived at the end of last season and has used the summer to make her mark. Nine left with Phillips clearly focusing elsewhere. An opening signing of the forward Pauline Bremer was impressive, as was enticing the experienced Vicky Losada to the south coast. Tatiana Pinto, Jorelyn Carabalí, Maria Thorisdóttir and Li Mengwen have all caught the eye while the trio of Mackenzie Hawkesby, Madison Haley and Charlize Rule are ones to watch. 5/5
Bristol City
Promotion always meant there was a busy summer ahead as Lauren Smith built a squad to compete. Departures were inevitable but seven signings and two loan deals have set them up well. Getting the signature of the Welsh starlet Carrie Jones was a headline maker while retaining Brooke Aspin on loan, despite her joining Chelsea, was crucial. Megan Connolly and Satara Murray both bring experience while Amy Rodgers and Jamie-Lee Napier impressed at London City. 4/5
Chelsea
Much of Chelsea’s business has been done with an eye to the future, with the addition of a series of young players that have immediately gone out on loan. There have been marquee signings with Ashley Lawrence in from PSG and the arrival of Catarina Macario from Lyon. The latter, however, is still returning to fitness from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. In addition, Mia Fishel is a highly regarded young American forward to keep an eye on. 4/5
Everton
The departure of Gabby George will have been a body blow to Brian Sørensen’s plans after Manchester United triggered her release clause just before deadline day. Additionally, the loss of Rikke Sevecke leaves the Toffees looking defensively frail. Five have arrived with the goalkeeper Emily Ramsey making her loan spell permanent. Martina Piemonte, Justine Vanhaevermaet and Heather Payne bring varying degrees of international experience while Karoline Olesen and Emma Bissell are ones for the future. 3/5
Leicester
Leicester’s squad was destined for a clear-out and 16 squad players have departed. The loss of Ashleigh Plumptre, ever present in the Foxes’ defence last season, to Al-Ittihad was perhaps the biggest blow. Willie Kirk has done good business with nine additions. Janina Leitzig and Courtney Nevin both made their impressive loan spells permanent. Janice Cayman is a standout signing while the lightning quick Deanne Rose brings a different dimension. 4/5
Liverpool
Matt Beard has been another busy manager as Liverpool look to build on their seventh-place finish. With strikers hard to come by, the acquisition of Norway’s Sophie Román Haug will have been particularly pleasing. Haug, Natasha Flint and Mia Enderby bolster the attack despite the departure of Katie Stengel. Grace Fisk and Jenna Clark have both added defensive depth while the Australian Teagan Micah provides another goalkeeping option. 4/5
Manchester City
By contrast, Manchester City have been very silent in the transfer market. Their sole addition comes in the form of the Dutch international Jill Roord. The midfielder returns from her time at Wolfsburg after a previous spell with Arsenal. Securing Khadija Shaw on a new contract was a solid piece of business. Their one outgoing has been Hayley Raso, who departed for Real Madrid after receiving limited game time. 3/5
Manchester United
It is hard to know what to make of United’s business, with notable signings and equally eye-catching departures. Mary Earps will remain until at least January but the loss of Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle on frees was disappointing. Marc Skinner has managed to bring in quality, however, with the World Cup stars Geyse, Hinata Miyazawa, and Irene Guerrero arriving. A deadline-day buy of Gabby George sets them up well, while Emma Watson is one for the future. 4/5
Tottenham
Robert Vilahamn’s arrival this summer gave him little time. His last-minute acquisition of the striker Martha Thomas was necessary to cover an injury to Bethany England. The Swiss defender Luana Bühler is the most well-known of the three other permanent newcomers. Finland’s Olga Ahtinen adds depth in the midfield while the goalkeeper Barbora Votikova is a replacement for the departed Tinja-Riikka Korpela. Grace Clinton and Zhang Linyan both arrived on loan. 3/5
West Ham
Rehanne Skinner is in a similar position to Vilahamn, having been brought in during the summer. The departures of the long-term figures Kate Longhurst, Grace Fisk and Lucy Parker preceded her arrival. The Japanese forward Riko Ueki is an exciting prospect while Emma Harries and Jessie Stapleton are highly regarded. Megan Walsh adds goalkeeping cover after Sophie Hillyerd left for London City. Whether these signings are enough, however, remains to be seen. 3/5
