With the WSL's popularity increasing and continuing to evolve the transfer window is heating up with prices mirroring the increase.
Thursday 5th January 2023
The January transfer window in the WSL has recently gotten a new record signing, Bethany England ex Chelsea forward will be joining Tottenham Hotspurs on a three-year contract and is one of the big signings this week.
Bethany England- 28 year old forward- joins Tottenham Hotspurs after spending seven years at Chelsea, accumulating 74 goals in 163 appearances; she was also a part of this summer's Euro England team and has scored 11 goals in 21 games for the Lionesses. She has a transfer fee of £250,000 which overtakes the £200,000 Chelsea paid for Lauren James in 2021, making her the most expensive transfer between two WSL clubs in the Women's Super League history. England will be joining Tottenham after a four-game losing streak with no goals scored during that period but England will be hoping to gain more regular game minutes to get the attention of the England manager- Sarina Wiegman- ahead of the World Cup this summer.
Emma Hayes- Chelsea's manager- has praised England on social media by saying, "Beth has given tremendous service to the club. She has contributed to all of our success over the past seven years and she leaves a winner and a Chelsea legend. We wish her the very best for the next stage of her career." and started the praises for the forward which included goodbye messages from her teammates such as Fran Kirby.
Beth England posted a message to Chelsea supporters and stated, "It has been the biggest honour to play for this amazing club that has been my home for the past seven years. Every time I've stepped out onto the pitch I've given my all for Chelsea and our incredible fans. I'm so proud to have played my part in the success we have achieved over the years." whilst she looks back fondly on her time at Chelsea she claimed, "It’s obviously a big day for myself and I’m excited to get going...The Club has got a lot of ambitions and I’m hoping that I can add to that and hopefully get the club where it wants to be." when talking to Tottenham's website.
Another new transfer for the WSL is Jordan Nobbs- previously at Arsenal- moving to Aston Villa with an 18-month deal; the midfielder has been at Arsenal for twelve years and has won three WSL titles, four Women's FA Cup trophies and five Women's League Cups. Nobbs stated, "It's been a crazy journey and I'm so proud that I've been able to see all the ups and downs, all the development and growth, and to really be able to say that I've been a part of it. People say 'It's only football' but I've given every single part of my life to this club. Arsenal will always be my home. Arsenal will always be my family." but states the move will be"a huge change for me but I’m up for the challenge and super excited to get started."
The transfer window closes on January 31st for all domestic WSL deals, so there may be more surprising moves to come.
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