6 new and rising WSL players to watch this season, including breakout Chelsea and Man Utd stars

6 new and rising WSL players to watch this season, including breakout Chelsea and Man Utd stars There’s been some huge high profile signings this Women’s Super League (WSL) transfer window, but the new season also marks an exciting time to watch rising players and new signings come into the frame. With the 2026/27 campaign set to bring another blockbuster season, there are plenty of players who could take a huge step in their career. Here are six players who could make a big impact in the WSL this season. Emilie Joramo (Brighton and Hove Albion) The ball-winner Brighton have made a number of additions to their squad this summer, but Emilie Joramo could prove to be one of their most important. The Norway international joined the Seagulls on a free transfer from Hammarby after two-and-a-half years in Sweden. Embed from Getty Images The 24-year-old midfielder brings a combination of defensive work and progression that could make her particularly valuable to Dario Vidosic’s side. If she adapts quickly to the WSL, Joramo could become one of the midfielders who quietly makes Brighton one to watch this season. She’s already an established player in both Norway and Sweden, and England could soon also be on that list. Sara Agrež (Liverpool) The defensive block Agrež isn’t a well known player in England right now but she could be after becoming one of the new additions to Liverpool’s squad this summer. The Slovenia international joined the Reds from Cologne upon the expiration of her contract, after over two years in the Frauen-Bundesliga. Embed from Getty Images She also brings international experience, having earned more than 50 caps for Slovenia. Liverpool have lost defensive experience this summer, with Gemma Bonner and Gemma Evans both departing at the end of their contracts. That makes Agrež’s arrival particularly significant as Gareth Taylor reshapes his defensive options. The 25-year-old arrives with seven years of experience in one of Europe’s strongest leagues and could quickly establish herself as an important part of Liverpool’s new-look defence. Lexi Potter (Chelsea) The breakout star There’s always something special about seeing an academy graduate break through into the first team. Lexi Potter is a brilliant example of that. The 20-year-old came through Chelsea’s academy and made a memorable first senior start in March, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 WSL victory over Brighton. She impressed in midfield that evening and showed the composure to make an impact against an established top flight side. She’s also been part of England’s youth set-up, having captained the under-17s squad. Embed from Getty Images Despite Chelsea’s squad being packed with experienced internationals, Potter has already demonstrated that she can take her opportunity when it arrives. Should Potter get her moments this season, it could see the academy graduate become a much more familiar name in the WSL. Layla Drury (Manchester United) The spark Given that Drury only made her senior debut in January, she well deserves her place on this list. A product of Manchester United’s academy, Drury joined the first team set-up after training with the under-16 and under-21 squads for just over a year. The then 16-year-old made history, scoring in the FA Cup match against Burnley. That made her both the club’s youngest first team player and youngest goalscorer. Following on from becoming a history-maker, she went on to make several more appearances, being brought on as a substitute. Embed from Getty Images She signed her first professional contract with United over the summer, and we should hopefully expect to see her in the upcoming campaign. This season could be about taking the next step. If Drury finds herself with more regular minutes, she could quickly become one of the WSL’s most exciting young prospects. The now 17-year-old forward will also bring international experience, having already represented England at Under-20 level after previously playing for Wales, making her international switch earlier this year. Club and international opportunities combined, it could be an exciting season for Drury. Nicole Anyomi (London City Lionesses) The difference-maker London City Lionesses have made some of the biggest moves of the summer. However, Anyomi could be one of the under the radar signings that has a huge impact. The German international joined from Eintracht Frankfurt on a four-year deal after five seasons with the club. She established herself as a key attacking player during her time at Frankfurt. Embed from Getty Images Anyomi brings pace, versatility and directness to London City, having operated in different attacking roles throughout her career. With London City having huge ambitions, Anyomi has the opportunity to bring her Bundesliga experience into a new environment. Lisa Baum (Arsenal) The rocket The attention has naturally been around Arsenal’s bigger summer signings, but Lisa Baum could be one of the most exciting new arrivals. The 19-year-old winger joined the Gunners from RB Leipzig after scoring six goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances during her one season with the club. Before that, she helped Hamburger SV climb from Germany’s third tier to the Bundesliga, scoring 21 goals in 68 appearances. Baum is a direct, athletic wide forward who likes to cut inside from the right and attack with her left foot. She’ll face some tough competition. However, her ability to face defenders one-on-one could give Renée Slegers another option in the final third. Embed from Getty Images A successful first season in England could be the beginning of something much bigger for a player who has already shown she can make an impact throughout every stage of her career so far. The WSL’s biggest stars will naturally dominate the headlines again this season. Yet, there are some stars in the making ready to have their moment alongside some of the best players in the world. Joramo has the chance to establish herself as a key midfielder at Brighton, while Agrež arrives at Liverpool with the experience to strengthen their defence. Potter and Drury represent two of the league’s most intriguing young English talents. Elsewhere, Anyomi and Baum offer two very different attacking threats after moving to England. 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