Now that the transfer window has closed, we can review what business the Ladies did over the three month period.
Extend
Arsenal Ladies have secured contract extensions for the three homegrown youngsters plus the Dutch forward Van De Donk who performed well last season.
Contract extensions: Danielle Van De Donk, Carla Humphrey, Chloe Kelly, Charlotte Devlin.
Out
There was a wave of departures following a poor 2016 season with many players released while others decided not to stay.
A lot of experienced players left the team: Stoney, Henning, Byrne, Yankey, Smith.
The Spanish trio also departed (Sanchon, Losada and Corredera) with a couple of youngsters also leaving (Parker, Devlin).
The disappointing Oshoala went for a better pay-day in China, and no-one should blame her for that choice as the money in women’s football is nowhere near what men’s football can offer.
Players out: Natalia Pablos Sanchon (Rayo Vallecano), Marta Corredera (Atletico Madrid), Vicky Losada (FC Barcelona) , Casey Stoney (Liverpool ), Josephine Henning (Olympique Lyonnais), Emma Byrne (Brighton), Rachel Yankey, Lucy Parker (LSU Soccer), Kelly Smith (retirement), Asisat Osholala (Dalian Quinjan), Charlotte Devlin (Millwall – loan)
In
Arsenal managed to get Kim Little back from Seattle for, allegedly, a lot of money.
Signing Heather O’Reilly brought a lot of experience and quality on the right wing. A top level signing in a position where no-one has really made their mark in the last three seasons.
Young England Next Generation forward, Beth Mead, was also signed as the club took advantage of Sunderland Ladies’ decision to go back to semi-professional football. It will be interesting to see if she can displace Jodie Taylor for the centre forward spot.
Carla Humphrey was re-signed after her year out on loan at Doncaster Belles, but earlier games seem to signal a lack of trust in her ability as playing time has been scarce for the attacking midfielder.
Anna Moorhouse was signed from Doncaster as well to provide back-up and competition for Sari Van Veenendaal in goal following Emma Byrne’s release at the end of last season.
Players in: Kim Little (Seattle Reign), Carla Humphrey (Doncaster Belles – end of loan), Heather O’Reilly (FC Kansas City), Beth Mead (Sunderland), Anna Moorhouse (Doncaster Belles)
Conclusion
It was certainly a good transfer window for the club with the balance of the squad being restored and youngsters promoted to the first team.
Hopefully, the Spring Series will be a success and the Summer window, that will also last three months, will only see some slight adjustments to the squad rather than a big turnover again.