Women's Super League

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Manchester City forward Poppy Pritchard has joined Championship side Newcastle on loan for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign.

England youth international Pritchard has spent the first half of this season on loan at Crystal Palace.

Newcastle head coach Becky Langley said: "Poppy is a Newcastle girl with lots of talent. She's fast, direct and has a real hunger to score goals. The fans will love watching Poppy play because she's determined, an intelligent player and driven to get to the top.

"Manchester City saw her talents and we now want to nurture them with this loan move."

Image source, Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have signed Canada international forward Clarissa Larisey on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 25-year-old arrives from Swedish club BK Hacken where she scored 20 goals in 65 appearances.

Larisey is Crystal Palace's first recruit of the January window, although she is unlikely to be involved in the side's trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

"I got to talk to Laura [Kaminski] and to Grace [Williams], and it was great, said Larisey.

"They were super excited and were telling me all about the programme and how great Palace is, so I couldn't turn down this opportunity," said Larisey.

"I'm really excited to play here, play with the best – and play for Palace."

The arrival will be welcome news to boss Laura Kaminski after Jorja Fox, Brooke Aspin and Poppy Pritchard all returned to their parent clubs after spending the first half of the season on loan with the club.

Kaminski said: "Clarissa is a really exciting talent, and we're delighted to have her join us. She brings great experience at a crucial time for the team."

Image source, Manchester City

Manchester City have signed Japan Under-20 international midfielder Aemu Oyama on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 20-year-old, who played in last summer's U20 Women's World Cup, joins from Waseda University in Tokyo.

She becomes City's second signing in January, along with German defender Rebecca Knaak, and could be involved in their game against rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

"I'm aware how enormous this game is and if I'm given a chance I'd like to show my playing style," said Oyama.

"My dream is to play in the Champions League. I'd like to be able to contribute to the team as soon as I can.

"And as a young player, now that I'm in this team I want to play as many games as possible... seeing other young players [getting chances] inspires me to work hard like them."

City's women's director of football Therese Sjogran added: "Aemu is a very technically gifted player, there's a real buzz about her.

"She'll be exciting to watch this season and beyond, and there is real potential for her to become even better."

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Arsenal winger Vivienne Lia has joined Championship side Southampton on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 18-year-old signed her first professional contract with the Gunners in January.

She made her senior debut in the League Cup quarter-final win over London City Lionesses in February 2024.

"I'm excited to get started of course, I feel like this will be a really good part of my development," Lia said,

"The Championship has been a league I've been looking at to help my development a lot. I think it's a really challenging league and it's very tight at the moment, so it's exciting to come into that and compete against great players as well."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at St Helens Stadium

If Liverpool proved anything last season, it was that they can never be written off and they are always willing to fight.

It has been a tough start to the campaign for them - they have lacked consistency, struggled with injuries and results have been underwhelming.

But manager Matt Beard hoped the new year, and the return of injured players, would bring a "fresh start" to their season.

He got what he wanted with Friday's 2-1 win over Brighton and it was one of their best performances of the season.

In contrast, Brighton had been full of momentum heading into the winter break and it appeared to disrupt their flow.

They were second-best to every duel, struggled to respond when Liverpool took control and they rarely tested goalkeeper Teagan Micah.

Manager Dario Vidosic described his side as "unrecognisable" afterwards and you could understand why as they lacked all the traits that has delivered them results.

They have got themselves into a strong position, sitting fifth in the table, but they must improve on this performance if they hope to stay there.

Liverpool edged Brighton 2-1, courtesy of a late own goal from Jorelyn Carabali, at St Helens Stadium as the Women's Super League returned from the winter break on Friday. Here is what the managers said to Sky Sports after the game.

Liverpool's Matt Beard: "It was important to win. We have had a tough first half of the season. I think we enjoyed the game on merit. We could have finished the game off and then we conceded a really frustrating goal. I'm really proud of the girls. We had a tough start to the season but they never downed tools.

"We saw a bit of last season's Liverpool. I guess our winner had some fortune to it. We had other opportunities to put the game to bed. But we won the game on an own goal. I think we deserved the three points and it's a big step in the right direction tonight.

"Sam Kerr had a terrific debut and Olivia Smith terrified them. Poppy Pattinson was lucky to be on the pitch from what I was seeing."

Brighton's Dario Vidosic: "We were unrecognisable. We lacked discipline, we lacked aggression. We made simple mistakes and played into their hands. They deserved the win. We just weren't there, unfortunately.

"We have been training two weeks leading in and it was good. But we didn't get anything we needed tonight. We weren't patient and were playing long balls. In terms of structure, we were all over the place. We gave away the ball quickly and were overloaded. And with Liverpool, you will get punished. We got what we deserved.

"There were glimpses of what we wanted but it was too few and far. We didn't look dangerous at all. The errors have let us down. We know we have to be much much better. Otherwise, we will have tough games again."

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

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Crystal Palace boss Laura Kaminski said the Christmas break came at the perfect time for her side.

Palace return to Women's Super League action against Arsenal at Meadow Park on Sunday (14:00 GMT kick-off) where they will be looking to move off the foot of the WSL table.

The Eagles have not won any of their last seven WSL matches and sit bottom of the table by a point, but do go into the game off the back of a 6-1 win over Championship side Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Tuesday.

"I think the break came at a good time for us," Kaminski told BBC Sport. "The players mentally were given ample time off to ensure they were refreshed and recharged ready for January onwards, which is really important for us.

"They've come back with a really good mindset. The win the other day just shows in front of goal, we can do it. We have to make sure that our feet are on the ground and we certainly don't take anything for granted. We had to work hard for that result.

"In the WSL, you need to be a team that is difficult to beat and then the next week, it is flipped and we are going after teams who are getting loads of pressure high up the pitch. In that sense, you've got to be really good at two things and going into the game, we've had practice in leading."

Here are more key lines from Kaminski's news conference:

• On opponents Arsenal, Kaminski said she was "delighted" to see Renee Slegers named as their permanent manager, adding that seeing another female coach earn and take their opportunity is great for her and the Gunners' players.

• Forward Elise Hughes has returned to full training on Friday after missing the first half of the season through injury, but Kaminski did say that her return to matches is "unpredictable."

• In terms of recruitment, Kaminski said the club are actively looking to bolster their squad before the transfer window shuts.

• Kaminski also paid tribute to Jorja Fox, Brooke Aspin and Poppy Pritchard, who have all returned to their parent clubs after spending the first half of the season on loan at Palace. Kaminski added that while she enjoyed working with the trio, their exits suited all parties.

Image source, Getty Images

Renee Slegers said the 1-1 draw with Manchester United was the first time she thought about becoming Arsenal head coach on a permanent basis.

The draw at Leigh Sports Village was the only game the Gunners did not win under Slegers as interim head coach, but she said she got the sense that something special was brewing.

"The Manchester United game away was the first time where I was thinking that we are really creating something," Slegers said.

"That is the first time I had the thoughts in my head. Along the way there have been events, mostly in the building with the staff, that have given me those thoughts about things being inspiring and whether I want to keep going with the process. It has been growing like that over several months.

"I don't know if I can recall exact things. For example we tried something new with our meeting structure, we wanted more engagement from the players and we got the engagement, and afterwards we thought 'this is working, they are engaging and believe in what we are doing'. We got the engagement we wanted. I can't recall everything else but this is an example of small things that we were looking for and we got."

Here are more key lines from her news conference before Sunday's game against Crystal Palace (kick-off 14:00 GMT)

• Slegers said she doesn't "experience the pressure" that comes with the role because she blocks out external noise.

• On replacing Jonas Eidevall for a second time after doing so at Rosengard, she added: "I worked very well with Jonas, I have said that many times. I have spoken to him a few times after he left. I respect his way of seeing the game and it has been great learning from him."

• Katherine Kuhl is "getting close to a move" away from Arsenal and is "not in the building at the moment".

• On what she expects from Palace: "They will try to play their game and disrupt our game. With their set up let's see what they do. If they want to come out aggressive in a couple of moments or if they try to make the spaces compact for us. It is going to be a challenging game and we are full of belief and very excited."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw will not be available for Sunday's Women's Super League derby against Manchester United.

Jamaican international Shaw has been unavailable through injury since early December and is one of several key players missing for City.

As well as Shaw - this season's WSL top-scorer with nine goals in as many matches - City will be without captain Alex Greenwood and creative forward Lauren Hemp.

Asked when they might return, manager Gareth Taylor said: "Alex [Greenwood] and Lauren [Hemp] are in a good place. We know that their return is not immediate.

"Bunny [Shaw] is a lot closer, pretty imminent, we're just trying to make sure we check off a few of the markers that the medical team need to be happy with in order to be ready for this really busy period we're going into.

"This weekend will be too soon for Bunny but I think outside of that, she's starting to move really closer to those next couple of games."

Taylor was also asked about the club's recruitment plans with two weeks remaining of the January transfer window.

City have reportedly signed Brazil forward Kerolin on a three-year-deal, while defender Alanna Kennedy and England international Chloe Kelly are among those who could leave the club.

"It's really difficult obviously, to give you any news while there's many wheels of the cog that are still whirring and we're working tremendously hard behind the scenes to try help and support the squad a little bit more," said Taylor.

"Once it's finalised, we'll be able to let you know. We understand that in this transfer window, there's not just going to be movement into clubs, there's going to be movement out."

On Kerolin, he added: "I think it's really difficult for me to comment on a player that is not officially ours.

"There's a lot of speculation out there but we like to do things in the right way."

Manchester City forward Kelly is seeking regular game time to ensure she keeps her place in the England squad for Euro 2025 but Taylor said she remains a "valued" player for as long as she is at the club.

"We have good history together. While she's here, she's the same as every other player," added Taylor.

"She's considered, she's valued and whether she plays or doesn't play, she's a part of what we're doing. Anything beyond that is really difficult for me to kind of speculate on."

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Chelsea's Charlotte Wardlaw has completed a permanent move to Championship side Newcastle United.

The versatile 21-year-old, who can play in defence and in midfield, becomes the Magpies' first signing of the January window.

Wardlaw is a product of the Blues' academy and spent the first half of this season on loan at Championship side Sheffield United, making nine appearances in England's second-tier.

Wardlaw made three appearances for the Blues before leaving the club on five times on loan with Liverpool (twice), Lewes, Glasgow City and the Blades.

She has also represented England at under-15, 17 and 19 levels.

"There were lots of different factors that made this move the right one for my career," said Wardlaw. "The history, tradition, the family feel of the club and ultimately the ambition."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It felt a matter of when, and not if, Arsenal would confirm Renee Slegers as permanent manager.

The Dutchwoman's record as interim boss has been impressive and she looked at home in the role.

Arsenal took their time in making a decision because they felt so comfortable with Slegers as interim that they knew the team was in good hands while they carried out a managerial search.

They also knew it was a significant period and they needed to make the right choice - Chelsea and Manchester City continue to invest and are growing stronger each season, while Arsenal have fallen short.

It ended up being an extended audition from Slegers and her pedigree grew, putting herself in the spotlight as one of the leading candidates, while Arsenal cast the net out in their search.

Former City boss Cushing was on their list but he seemed to rule himself out of contention, while ex-Manchester United head coach Casey Stoney - named Canada manager this week - was quickly dismissed as an option.

In the end there were few candidates who could compete with Slegers, and her appointment is likely to receive widespread support from Arsenal's fanbase given the turnaround in form she has overseen this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Renee Slegers said "it's a wonderful honour to represent this club as head coach" after being given Arsenal job on a permanent basis.

The Gunners are unbeaten in 11 games under the 35-year-old, who has overseen 10 wins and one draw in her time as interim head coach.

Slegers has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

"I'm so excited to be continuing our journey together," Slegers said. "It's a wonderful honour to represent this club as head coach and I have so much belief in what we can all achieve together.

"Over the past few months, I've felt such a powerful sense of collective ownership and responsibility across our players and staff – that has been our strength and I know we will make sure we drive and nurture this feeling as we all move forward.

"It has meant the world to me to feel the closeness and passion of our supporters during this process, and I want to thank you all for that. We want to deliver something beautiful that's inspiring and leads to winning trophies. We all have a big part to play in achieving that."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner says he wants his players to show more "personality" in Sunday's game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.

United sit fourth in the Women's Super League table, just a point below second-placed City as they head into the derby.

"We're younger now than we have been before. Our experience is slightly less in these games," said Skinner.

"City are missing a few players that are big for them that have played lots of minutes. We're energetic and young. We will see!

"What I'm expecting from our team is high energy and to have personality with the ball.

"It's making sure the decision-making processes are not compromised by the situation or the pressure. That's what I want to see."

Here are more key lines from his media conference:

• Geyse will be absent from Sunday's squad due to a "tragedy in the family" so she has been given personal leave.

• Grace Clinton and Simi Awujo have been in full training and are available for selection.

• Skinner praised the growth of Ella Toone as a person after overcoming a difficult few months following the death of her father.

• He believes there is not a psychological barrier when the team come up against City despite their rivals having a better record in the derby.

• Skinner also wants to find a balance between rawness and fearlessness in his players, and gaining more experience to impact these matches.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham head coach Rehanne Skinner says her side can cause Women's Super League leaders Chelsea problems when the two meet on Sunday.

The Hammers host the Blues (15:00 GMT kick-off) in their first game back from the Christmas break and will look to build on their recent home form.

Seven of their eight WSL points this season have come at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, with Arsenal the only side to beat them there in the league this season.

"I think our home ground has been made tremendous by the fans to be honest," said Skinner. "It's a difficult place to come to and the players love playing at home and we've had some good results there. I think then that gives us a lot of confidence going into the game.

"We're confident with the way we are defending and how we're sticking together. That's only got more and more composed as time has gone on and I think we can make life difficult for them in certain areas.

"It's just going to be up to taking chances at key moments and managing the game as effectively as we can."

Here are the key lines from Skinner's news conference:

• Skinner said West Ham are always looking to improve their squad with the transfer window currently open.

• The West Ham boss described Shekiera Martinez's form on loan at Freiburg as "fantastic", adding that she now has the visa required to be playing in the WSL which will "add value" to the squad following her recall.

• Skinner describes the long-term contracts signed by defenders Amber Tysiak and Anouk Denton as a "statement of intent" from West Ham. Both signed deals until the summer of 2028 earlier this month.

• On starting the New Year with four games out of six at home, Skinner said it is "fantastic for the fans" getting to watch so many home matches in quick succession.

Image source, Liverpool FC

Liverpool midfielder Marie Hobinger has signed a new deal with the club.

The Austria international joined from FC Zurich in July 2023 and she has gone on to make 39 appearances, scoring seven goals and assisting a further five.

She has become a key player under manager Matt Beard, appearing in all 22 Women's Super League matches last season.

On signing a new deal, the 23-year-old said: "I'm so, so happy. I think it's always an honour to play for Liverpool and I've enjoyed my time so, so much.

"I've also become much more confident and comfortable in that environment. I think it's a good place to be and to extend here.

"The football club, the city and all the people that I work with every day just give me the chance to get better every day and that's exactly what I want."

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn says he wants to be playing against Celtic and Rangers amid suggestions of them joining the Women's Super League.

The two Scottish giants have been linked with being moved to the WSL in recent weeks, although Uefa confirmed on Thursday that no approach had been made to them over such a move.

Speaking ahead of facing Leicester City on Sunday (12:30 GMT kick-off), Vilahamn said he would love to play against the clubs but did not want to disrespect English or Scottish football by doing so.

"I like the clubs Celtic and Glasgow Rangers, they are very big clubs according to me," said Vilahamn.

"I see the results in the Scottish League and I see they are regularly struggling to have consistent leagues as they have a really big number of wins all the time. I would love to play Glasgow Rangers, I would love to play Celtic.

"I would love to have that kind of league but I have enormous respect for England and Scotland so I don't want to say we have to do this or that. If you ask me, I would love to go up there and play against these big clubs."

Here are more key lines from Vilahamn's news conference:

• Vilahamn said that goalkeeper Lize Kop, who signed from Leicester earlier this week, had been a long-term signing. He added that he has three good goalkeepers in her, Rebecca Spencer and Eleanor Heeps.

• Kop could make her debut against her former side this weekend, but Vilahamn says he will wait until Saturday to decide on his team selection.

• Asked about whether the WSL should become a closed league, Vilahamn said there are other ways to grow the league and that more needs to be done to "develop" a stronger WSL. The Swedish coach added that more teams being introduced to the WSL could help with that.

• On recruitment, Vilahamn said that Tottenham could make one more signing this month to add cover in a number of positions.

• Vilahamn also said that Bethany England was "brilliant" before the Christmas break and that while there is competition between her and Martha Thomas in attack, both will also be used together at times.