Will Walsh move? Your WSL deadline day questions answered

Keira Walsh playing for EnglandImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

England midfielder Keira Walsh plays for Barcelona and does not want to extend her contract when it expires next summer

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Time is running out for Women's Super League teams to add to their squads before the summer transfer window closes on 13 September.

As we near Friday's 23:00 BST deadline, our senior women's football reporter Emma Sanders has been answering your questions.

Below is a selection of her responses to the questions put to her by fans of WSL clubs.

Will Walsh go to Arsenal or Chelsea - or neither?

Beth: What's the latest on Keira Walsh?

Emma: Keira Walsh has a year remaining on her contract at Barcelona and has already informed the club she does not intend to extend because she is keen to return home for personal reasons.

That means Barca will either lose her on a free in 12 months' time or they could cash in on her this summer with several clubs interested.

Arsenal have a longstanding interest, while Chelsea are in the market for a midfielder and would have the funds.

The problem is that Barcelona do not want to sell. They are not prepared to name a price - though there's a general consensus that it would have to be a world-record fee should they consider any offer. We're at a bit of a stand-off, basically.

It was a Spanish bank holiday on Wednesday and Barca have a league game against Real Socieded at 19:00 BST on Friday evening, a few hours before the WSL transfer deadline - so the window for any business is small!

We will have to wait and see.

Could Bonmati come to the WSL?

Jake: Do you think Aitana Bonmati’s future lies in the WSL or Spain?

Emma: We reported last week that Bonmati is close to signing a new contract with Barcelona, one which will likely make her the highest-paid female player in the world.

She has come through the club's academy and lives and breathes Barcelona. Both parties always wanted her to stay beyond her current deal, which expires next summer.

That's not to say she won't come to the WSL in the future. She has often challenged the Spanish league to continue developing and enjoys watching the competition in the WSL.

Aston Villa

Si: If Villa sign Gabi Nunes is that their transfer business done or will they add any more?

Emma: We reported on Wednesday that Gabi Nunes' move to Aston Villa has been completed and we expect the club to confirm her signing in a record deal soon.

That's a big statement of intent from Villa and as it stands, they don't have anyone else lined up but they are keeping an eye on the market and having conversations so that could change.

They are also looking at potentially sending one or two of their young players out on loan. Those conversations are happening now.

Chelsea

Trevor: Are there any players likely to leave Chelsea before the deadline? Like their men’s team they have a big squad.

Emma: They want to strengthen their depth in midfield but they are also looking at a few loan options for some of their young players so there could be movement in and out.

Crystal Palace

Jamie: Crystal Palace have been busy in the transfer window ahead of their debut WSL season. How do you rate their chances of staying up?

Emma: They have and I believe they have managed to add a couple more in the final week of the transfer window so we're waiting to see who those players are.

I think they have recruited strongly but the jump up from the Women’s Championship to the WSL is huge and we've seen newly-promoted clubs struggle in recent years.

It will be difficult but I think Palace could have enough to finish above West Ham if they get off to a good start and can settle quickly.

Everton

Matt: Is there any movement expected for Everton? Their defence still looks very light.

Emma: We reported the club offered a short-term deal to goalkeeper Rylee Foster but the documents have still not been signed so we're waiting to see if that one goes through.

Other than that, I'm not aware of any other incomings. Everton are still exploring the market though.

Liverpool

Rachel: Any more potential Liverpool women incomings/ outgoings?

Emma: Not that I'm aware of. Liverpool always intended on making around three signings and they have done that. I don't envisage anyone else leaving on a permanent basis unless any wild late offers come in.

Manchester City

Becky: Do you think Manchester City are done for the summer or are they still in the market?

Emma: I believe that's their business done. They are happy with their squad. I don't expect any more signings between now and the deadline closing.

Manchester United

Phil: Is Ella Toone going to be tempted elsewhere (maybe not in this window). Big players continuing to leave United?

Emma: She signed a contract extension in November 2022 that keeps her at the club for another two years so that suggests she sees a long-term future at United.

She's also recently been named vice-captain. There will probably be interest when she comes towards the end of her deal next summer but we're a way off that yet.

Nic: Will Manchester United sign another goalkeeper?

Emma: That is their priority. They want three first-team goalkeepers and have two at the moment. They made Leicester City goalkeeper Lize Kop their main target but after several attempts, they eventually had to walk away. Leicester made it clear she was not for sale.

It means they have had to look elsewhere and so far, United have not made any progress.

Tottenham

Chiara: What are the chances of Spurs signing a midfielder to cover for Kit Graham’s ACL injury, and a first choice goalkeeper?

Emma: Tottenham are definitely looking for a midfielder to cover Graham's absence but they might not have enough time.

They were considering adding a new goalkeeper but having exercised the option to extend Becky Spencer's contract by another year and, having brought in Katelin Talbert on a short-term loan, they are prepared to wait until January and prioritise bringing in a midfielder.

West Ham

Cyan: Do you think West Ham will be very busy before the window shuts as they have lost more players than they have signed and look a weaker team?

Emma: Yes! They will be working right up until the deadline closes. At the moment, they are looking to bring in hopefully two players. There's still work to be done but they know they are light and need to sign players.