Transfer Thursday: Chelsea aim for Keira Walsh, Jenna Nighswonger signs for Arsenal and more WSL transfer deadline day news
It’s the final day of the Women’s Super League January transfer window, with last-minute deals in full swing.
While Arsenal have already secured the signature of a recent Olympic gold medalist on deadline day, Chelsea are still working to complete a deal for a Barcelona star.
In this latest edition of Transfer News Blitz’s WSL special, 'Transfer Thursday,' writer Nicole Powell brings you all the latest news, rumours, and the biggest signings of the window.
Chelsea go big again
On Sunday, January 26, Chelsea unveiled Naomi Girma at Stamford Bridge ahead of their London Derby win over Arsenal.
The record-breaking transfer sparked debate over the Blues’ spending power, yet they’re already closing in on another world-class - and expensive - signing.
This time, their target isn’t across the Atlantic but within Europe, as they look to raid Barcelona for Keira Walsh.
The England international has expressed a desire to leave the Spanish giants, and Chelsea have wasted no time in making their move.
Reports suggest the reigning WSL champions have already completed her medical and struck another jaw-dropping deal, with the fee believed to be close to £800,000 - on par with Girma’s transfer.
Arsenal had previously shown interest in Walsh, but Barcelona blocked the move in the summer of 2024.
Now, Chelsea are on the verge of securing the two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, adding both skill and experience to Sonia Bompastor’s young squad.
If the deal goes through, it would be a major boost to Chelsea’s pursuit of their first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy.
Arsenal make first signing - on deadline day
Arsenal had been completely quiet this transfer window, with neither the Men’s nor Women’s teams making any moves - until today.
While the Men’s squad continue their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, the Women’s side has secured USWNT full-back Jenna Nighswonger.
The Gunners reportedly paid NJ/NY Gotham FC $100,000 to bring the highly rated defender to North London.
Nighswonger enjoyed an impressive breakout season in the NWSL, earning two NWSL Rookie of the Month awards before being crowned the 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year.
On the international stage, she has already won 18 caps for the USWNT, scoring twice.
She was also part of the squad that lifted the Concacaf W Gold Cup in March 2024 and claimed Olympic gold in Paris last summer.
With Arsenal in need of defensive reinforcements, this signing could prove to be a crucial addition to their backline.
Chloe Kelly’s heartfelt words
Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly has publicly announced that she will leave the club at the end of her contract in June.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday, January 29, she addressed her limited playing time this season, having been sidelined from the starting XI for the majority of matches.
Kelly, who etched her name in history by scoring the decisive goal in the 111th minute to secure England's first UEFA Women's Euro title, is now seeking a new chapter in her career.
Despite her pivotal contributions last campaign, she has found opportunities scarce this season.
Several clubs have shown interest in acquiring the talented forward, as Manchester United have made an offer to sign Kelly from their city rivals.
However, a move to the red side of Manchester seems unlikely, as City are hesitant to strengthen a direct competitor.
Brighton also expressed interest, but Kelly has reportedly turned them down, with her preference leaning towards Manchester United.
In light of City's reluctance to bolster their rivals, they have accepted a loan deal from Arsenal for the remainder of the season.
As the transfer window deadline approaches, it remains to be seen where Kelly will continue her career.
Her desire for regular first-team football is evident, and clubs are eager to secure her services.
Other pivotal signings this window
The January transfer window has seen several significant moves.
As mentioned earlier, Chelsea have signed U.S. international Girma from San Diego Wave, bolstering their defence with one of the top centre-backs in the game.
This signing, alongside that of Keira Walsh, underscores Chelsea's commitment to investing in elite talent, setting a benchmark for other clubs in the women's game.
Welsh defender Lily Woodham has extended her loan at Crystal Palace until the end of the season.
Initially joining from Seattle Reign in September 2024, Woodham has impressed in her time with Palace, making 11 appearances so far.
Her continued presence aims to strengthen the squad as they strive to improve their standing in the Women's Super League, where they currently sit at the bottom of the table.
In another notable move, Liverpool secured Scottish midfielder Sam Kerr on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season.
Kerr - not to be confused with Chelsea and Australia’s forward - previously played for Rangers and was part of Bayern's Frauen-Bundesliga-winning squad, bringing creativity and experience to Liverpool's midfield.
Brighton & Hove Albion have strengthened their defence by signing Ireland international Caitlin Hayes from Celtic.
The 29-year-old defender returns to England, having previously played for Everton and Lewes.
Her experience and defensive prowess are anticipated to provide stability to Brighton's backline as they aim to climb even further in the WSL standings.
Follow all the latest January window rumours and deals with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us on BlueSky as we continue to tell it like it is when it comes to transfer talk.
