WSL news

Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has returned to her native Australia indefinitely after her mother, Jess, was diagnosed with a terminal and aggressive form of cancer. The 23-year-old will miss the Gunners' upcoming Women’s Super League fixture as she supports her family through what she described as a "world-changing" diagnosis.

Manchester United have extended the expiring contract of Lionesses star Ella Toone, as well as those of Elisabeth Terland, Lisa Naalsund and Gabby George, until the summer of 2027. All four were set to become free agents in just six months' time, meaning they were also free to discuss moves with any suitors from abroad following the turn of the New Year. However, United have acted to trigger one-year clauses for the quartet, with all eyes now on if longer deals can be struck with the players.

Manchester United's season so far has been dominated by criticisms of the preparation, or lack thereof, done before it. After making just three summer signings, while bidding farewell to two first-team players, the Red Devils' squad looked completely ill-equipped for the challenge of competing in the Women's Champions League proper for the first time, if they were to also remain a contender on a domestic front. But having rather admirably kept themselves afloat despite those issues, United are already attacking the January window with the necessary, and overdue, vigour needed.

The grieving family of Maddy Cusack have expressed their fury after the inquest into her tragic death was delayed yet again. Their lawyer accused Sheffield United of submitting a massive document just days before Christmas, making it impossible to proceed. The club strongly denies the claims, but the hearing has now been pushed back until June, prolonging the family's agony.

GOAL predicts how the the top USWNT players will do abroad in 2026, from Girma, Thompson and Macario at Chelsea to Heaps and Yohannes at Lyon, Tullis-Joyce at United and Fox at Arsenal.

Arsenal have completed their first signing of the January transfer window as Renee Slegers' side bid to get back on track in the Women's Super League. The Gunners are eight points behind Manchester City ahead of the league's resumption this weekend and have added depth in defence as they aim to close that gap, signing a highly-rated Sweden international who suffered heartbreak at the hands of England's Lionesses at the 2025 European Championship.

In a celebration dubbed "Australian sport's wedding of the year," Matildas captain Sam Kerr married her long-time partner, American footballer Kristie Mewis, in a stunning private ceremony on New Year's Eve. The power couple, who welcomed their son Jagger earlier in 2025, exchanged vows in front of 120 guests at the picturesque Dionysus Villa in Perth's Swan Valley.

With women's football in most countries on its winter break, it is prime time for clubs, players and agents to sit down and sort out contracts. But while there are some names entering the final six months of their current deals who many would be shocked not to see renew with their current teams, there are also plenty of others who are likely to be seriously considering other options in 2026.

GOAL reviews the top USWNT performances abroad in 2025, from Girma, Thompson and Macario at Chelsea to Heaps and Yohannes at Lyon, Tullis-Joyce at United and Fox at Arsenal.

Manchester United Women have completed the signing of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. In a major statement of intent from the club, the Germany international striker has joined the Red Devils on a contract until June 2029, becoming their second new addition in the January transfer window following the earlier arrival of Sweden defender Hanna Lundkvist.

As the NWSL’s proposed “High Impact Player” rule continues to generate discussion, USWNT and Chelsea forward Cat Macario is reportedly drawing interest from several NWSL clubs. Macario’s contract with Chelsea expires in July, but under FIFA regulations, she will be eligible to sign a pre-contract with a new team beginning in January.

West Ham have confirmed the appointment of former Juventus boss Rita Guarino as their new women’s head coach, handing the highly decorated Italian an 18-month contract. The 54-year-old arrives in east London with a glittering trophy haul and will take charge of her first match in the Women's Super League against Chelsea in January after the end of the winter break.

London City Lionesses have confirmed they have sacked manager Jocelyn Precheur despite making a promising start to life to the Women's Super League season in their maiden campaign. London City, who were formed back in 2019, made their debut in the top division of women's football in England for 2025-26 after gaining promotion from the Women's Championship.

Bethany England remembers vividly the first time she won the League Cup. There were just five minutes remaining when Leah Williamson levelled the scores for Arsenal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, putting the 2020 final on the brink of extra time. But then, basically on the goal line at the other end, England popped up with the stoppage time winner for Chelsea, as Emma Hayes’ Blues filled a frustrating gap in an otherwise bulging trophy cabinet.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has picked up the Coach of the Year award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony following another Euros success for England. Wiegman finished top of the pile in the voting for the award after guiding England to a second straight European Championship victory in Switzerland last summer. Michelle Agyemang was also celebrating after being named the Young Sports Personality of the Year.

West Ham United Women have parted company with head coach Rehanne Skinner after a difficult run in the Women’s Super League, with just one win from their opening 11 matches of the 2025-26 season. Sitting second from bottom and struggling at both ends of the pitch, the Hammers have opted for a mid-season reset as they search for a new direction in a bid to improve results.

Former Paris Saint-Germain No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, who now plays for Manchester City, has been named the 2025 Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, with Lionesses star Hannah Hampton bagging the Women's prize. Donnarumma and Hampton were both part of treble-winning sides last season, while the latter also played a key role in England's successful European Championship defence.