Every WSL Teams' 2020 Transfer Window Activity - Ranked

Signings have come thick and fast in the 2020 WSL transfer window. From players trading one top flight side for another, to an influx of exciting overseas talent, it's been another busy summer as teams continue their preparation ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Some sides have been more successful in the market than others, with high profile arrivals accompanied by potentially costly departures.

Let's take a look at who's performing best in the 2020 WSL transfer window.

12. Birmingham

Things are looking pretty bleak at Birmingham at the moment. Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, the majority of their remaining senior players have all headed for the exits.

Lucy Staniforth, Rachel Williams and long serving captain Kerys Harrop have all departed to WSL rivals, while fullback Adrienne Jordan has headed back to her native USA. The club are yet to make any signings, with an extended contract for forward Lucy Whipp the only positive from this transfer window so far.

11. Bristol City

Bristol's best move of this summer has been extending the contract of striker Ebony Salmon, who effectively kept the club up with a selection of crucial goals last season.

The loss of Poppy Pattinson to Everton is a blow for Tanya Oxbridge's side, with the fullback's presence a big miss last season during an injury hit campaign. However, the re-signing of Aimee Palmer from Manchester United and the permanent capture of Megan Wynne from Tottenham are big positives.

10. Brighton

It's been a mixed bag for Brighton in the transfer window. The Seagulls have lost Ini Umotong to Swedish side Vaxjo, who produced flashes of promise but never quite reached her potential with the club.

Brighton have also lost midfielder Lea Le Garrec, fullback Matilde Lundorf and the versatile Amanda Nilden. However, they have tied a number of key first team players down to new deals - including the excellent Fliss Gibbons - and have signed Holland international Inessa Kaagman from Everton, in addition to Finland midfielder Nora Heroum.

The loan signing of Lee Geum-min from Manchester City could prove to be particularly shrewd.

9. West Ham

It's been a regular West Ham high turnover transfer window, with Matt Beard signing some characteristically obscure names. A number of players have departed the club, but crucially no vital first team regulars.

Adriano Leon, Gilly Flaherty and Alisha Lehmann have all committed their future to the Hammers which is a massive boost for the club, and they have brought in exciting young Swede Nor Mustafa and versatile defender Hawa Cissokho.

If they can gel, it will have been a good window for West Ham.

8. Reading

If you want a topsy-turvy transfer window, look no further that Reading. On one hand, they have brought in some incredibly exciting signings. On the other, they have also lost half of their first team squad.

Recruiting Danielle Carter from Arsenal should be a superb signing for both the club and player should the forward put her rotten injury luck behind her, while fellow former Gunner Emma Mitchell should prove to be another top addition.

However, eight players were released, including the ever dependable Jo Potter and Remi Allen, while key defensive midfielder Jade Moore has departed for Orlando Pride.

7. Tottenham

After a mightily impressive debut campaign in the WSL last season, Tottenham have done exactly what they needed to do in the transfer window: bring in top flight experience.

Spurs have raided Birmingham for forward Rachel Williams - one of the most dependable, consistent performers in the WSL - and centre back Kerys Harrop - a similarly solid, reliable individual. The pair are not going to cause Tottenham to suddenly challenge for a Champions League spot, but they will help to consolidate their WSL status as the club continue to build steadily.

6. Arsenal

Arsenal have recruited wisely without making any blockbuster signings this summer. Bringing in world class Australian left back Steph Catley - who reportedly turned down heavyweights Lyon to join the Gunners - is a very impressive addition, while teenager Malin Gut will add some much needed strength in depth in defensive midfield.

Versatile fullback Noëlle Maritz and goalkeeper Lydia Williams are the Gunners other signings, while no regular first team starters have departed.

5. Manchester City

It's been a relatively quiet transfer window for Manchester City thus far, with the statement signing of WSL breakout star Chloe Kelly their only bit of business as of yet. However, the club are expected to announce the signings of England internationals Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood and World Cup winner Sam Mewis - deals that would see the Citizens fly up this list.

City have lost internationals Pauline Bremer and Tessa Wullaert. The pair are capable WSL players, but with the quality already on display at the Academy Stadium, they are losses the club will be able to cope with.

4. Manchester United

United were promoted from the Championship alongside Spurs in 2019. While Spurs are steadily building, the Red Devils have demonstrated their ambitions to mix it among the very best with their summer signings.

The addition of Lucy Staniforth from Birmingham is a brilliant signing, adding another sprinkling of attacking spark to Casey Stoney's well drilled side. Teenage German forward Ivan Fuso has also joined, alongside full back Ona Battle. United have kept hold of the spine of the team that finished fourth last season, with Martha Harris' new contract another plus for the Red Devils.

3. Aston Villa

Villa have recruited exceptionally ahead of their maiden season in the WSL. Eyebrows were raised when so many of their promotion winning side were released at the end of the season - including top scorer Mel Johnson - but the Villans have brought in plenty of experienced heads to compensate.

Champions League winner Anita Asante is a very shrewd acquisition, as is the experienced German goalkeeper Lisa Weiss. German youth internationals Ramona Petzelberger and Caroline Siems are exciting recruits, while Portuguese international Diana Silva and Danish international Stine Larsen are big signings.

If Gemma Davies can get her side to knit together, Villa could be on for a very good finish next season.

2. Chelsea

The WSL champions have invested in world class quality with the signing of Bayern Munich captain Melanie Leupolz, and in youth and potential with the additions of tricky Liverpool winger Niamh Charles and Canadian international Jessie Fleming - who has 77 caps for her country at the age of 22.

Key players Beth England, Millie Bright and Guro Reiten have all signed new long-term deals with Chelsea, while Anita Asante and Ramona Bachmann - who rarely featured during their title winning campaign - are their biggest departing names.

1. Everton

Everton's transfer window did not get off to the best of starts when star player Chloe Kelly opted to turn down a new deal and sign for Manchester City. However, they have more than made up for this with a selection of quality signings.

Prolific French international striker Valerie Gauvin has joined from Montpellier in one of the transfers of the summer, while Danish internationals Nicoline Sørensen and Rikke Sevecke, experienced Norwegian defender Ingrid Moe Wold and youngster Poppy Pattinson have also been signed. Having already recruited Isobel Christiansen and Hayley Raso in January, exciting times lie ahead for Everton.