Transfer Szn: Who Should Each SWPL Club be Targeting?
Thought we would get involved with silly season and take a look at what kind of player we think each club in the top flight should be looking at over the summer.
Before we begin, a short disclaimer. These are not rumours based on insider information that we have, but a look at the type of player that each club needs and a suggestion of a player that fits the mould. If a transfer suggested in this article actually happens it is pure coincidence (or the manager of that club is a big HYT stan and accepts our ultimate knowledge). Either way, it is always good fun thinking who could play where, and let us know if there are any players you want your club to target.
Glasgow City
Champions again, Glasgow City will be looking to build on a fantastic season and mould the team in Leanne Ross’ image. It was far from easy for them in 22/23, despite at times amassing leads that looked insurmountable, Celtic and Rangers found a way to take them to the last day. In those final top 3 clashes it was clear that City had two disadvantages. The first, a lack of depth. Despite a fairly large squad injuries and signings not working out meant that the club was relying on performances from young stars such as Lisa Forrest and Sophia Martin in the business end of the season. The second, a lack of a defensive midfielder. With Leanne Ross now the boss, Leanne Crichton moving to Motherwell, and Jo Love injured, City had a serious issue controlling the midfield and protecting their back 4. Now Prades Insa has left the club, a midfielder with the ability to stop the opposition in their tracks must be a priority.
Reading’s relegation and subsequent return to part-time status will have a lot of clubs on high alert as higher profile players look to leave for full time football, one that Glasgow City should have on their radar is Justine Vanhaevermaet. The Belgian international is a physical presence standing at 6 feet tall and shows no signs of slowing down at 31. She is the perfect ball winner in midfield, able to overpower attackers and when she wins it back she is very useful in possession. Don’t expect her to go on too many runs with the ball but in a team that struggled for possession and creating chances she created more than 1 shot opportunity per 90 and completed more than 2 progressive passes per 90. All that along with one of the best completion rates at the club and the best for any Reading midfielder that played more than 10 games.
Looking overseas for a replacement leads us to the wonderful city of Freiburg im Breisgau. The city in the Black Forest is host to Frauen-Bundesliga’s 6th placed side and defensive midfielder Meret Felde. The German 23-year-old has spent four seasons in the top division finishing 7th and 6th twice, and amassed 13 U19 appearances for ‘Die Jung Mannschaft’ but has so far not made the step up to the senior team. Glasgow City, and Champions League football, could be the factor that changes that. Boasting Polish, Costa Rican, South African, Scottish, and Irish national team stars the club is no stranger to football on the international stage. They’ve got something Freiburg’s #4 wants and she is someone they should want. A midfielder who is present in the top ten for both tackles and blocks for any player in the league (that includes the likes of Nüsken, Rall, and Simon). Now is time for her to take the step up and start a silverware collection.
Domestically there aren’t many players in a ball winning midfield role that could be available and look ready to take the step up, however, Ellis Notley does stand out as a closer to home option. The 24-year-old Hibee has had a huge year in terms of development and started to look like one of the top 6s in the league toward the end of the season. With Hibs undergoing some rebuilding now may be the time for her to switch cities and follow former teammate Amy Muir to Glasgow City, for both her development as a player and to boost her national team chances. Notley has played all over the defence before moving into midfield, a tough tackler who is more than comfortable defending on the last line or aggressively sweeping across the space ahead of the defence. Learning from a legendary SWPL midfielder in Leanne Ross and allowing Fulton, Kozak, and Motlhalo to play with more freedom could get even more out of her.
Celtic
Celtic ended their season strongly, reclaiming their Scottish Cup crown and securing the 2nd Champions League spot. Fran Alonso’s side have developed a distinctive style and it is unlikely they will deviate from this style too much next season. One player who was absolutely key to their success towards the end of the season was Tash Flint. The loan signing from Leicester was brilliant at holding the ball up to link with the likes of Jacynta, Gallagher and Menglu. Also getting in the box to score a few very important goals in the process. It seems a bit of a no-brainer to make this move permanent, and with Flint officially being released by Leicester last week it seems only a matter of time before this move is confirmed.
Another opportunity for Celtic could be a sensational return of Charlie Wellings. The 40-goal-striker fired Celtic to double cup success two seasons ago. Most recently she has been plying her trade down South with Reading, but with their switch back to part-time (less said the better), could Celtic tempt her back up North? Champions league football and a partnership with Flint could be an exciting prospect for her.
Other than bringing in even more goals, Celtic could probably look to their defence for strengthening (not that it is exactly weak at the moment). Playing with variations of 5 at the back puts a lot of pressure on your 3 centre-backs. Clark, O’Riordan and Hayes have done pretty well… but a club like Celtic progressing into the UWCL need to add strength and depth. A good option could be Leah Eddie from Hibs. A young, Scottish defender with bags of potential. Very mobile, good with her feet and a danger from set plays - she fits the mould of what Fran Alonso would be looking for.
Similar to Glasgow City, Celtic could also do with some extra muscle and energy in midfield. Relying on her isn’t necessarily too bad of an option but with added UWCL games it would be quite clever to bring in some more numbers. With Lisa Robertson set to miss the majority of next season, midfield cover looks light and Celtic need someone to compliment, or cover, Mengyu. Fran Alonso has looked down South on a number of occasions and he could turn his eye towards Birmingham City and Ireland midfielder Jamie Finn. An energetic ball winner, who is comfortable just in front of the defence, able to drive forward and can also pick a pass. She would fit in well in Fran’s system. Finn and Mengyu together would be a formidable force. The prospect of UWCL football could help entice her up, as well as playing with Ireland teammate O’Riordan.
Rangers
So many SWPL sides are on the manager hunt and after Malky Thomson announced he would be stepping down, Rangers are one of them. Rumours will likely swirl around England’s Technical Lead, Shelley Kerr, but that might not be so easy and Rangers will likely take their time here to make sure they get it right. Time is of the essence when it comes to squad building and preparing for the rapidly approaching season though, so signing will need to be on the agenda of those still at the club. Going into the split the absence of Jane Ross had been slated as the key to Rangers disappointment this season with the prolific goalscorer sidelined through an ACL injury. Post-split though, Kirsty Howat has been on a tear with 8 goals in 10 games. That form on top of Ross’ contract extension makes it hard to suggest Rangers need a goalscorer. The biggest blotch on their post-split record was a 1-1 draw with Hearts in which they massively dominated proceedings, conceding in the 96th minute from a Ciara Grant penalty, the only shot on target they faced.
The difference in those tight games this season has been chance creation, the link between midfield and attack. When Hay isn’t on it and with Arnot struggling for fitness Rangers have looked a little one dimensional. McLeary is good but perhaps just a step too young to take up the mantle and Danielsson is not as effective out wide so someone to come in here would be more than welcome. A move that could be beneficial for both parties is Martha Thomas who we believe is out of contract at Manchester United this summer. A dynamic forward player that is as effective as a goalscorer as she is as a creator. With her game time limited this season, the Scotland international’s confidence has looked low when she’s been on the pitch. A move North could reignite her form.
For more traditional wide options we look to the English Championship and Aimee Palmer who was released by champions Bristol City despite being third on the assists chart. A versatile wide playmaker, she can also play in the middle and deeper in midfield if required. Durham’s Beth Hepple would also be a quality option with the addition of her set piece and goalscoring abilities but Durham would not let her go easily which may be a significant hurdle. A player many believe has the quality to play in the WSL, Hepple may be attracted to the possibility of major honours and the chance to show WSL clubs what they’re missing.
The new manager may also want to continue the youth revolution going on at the club, perhaps expanding the project to players outside their own academy. Cardiff City’s Phoebie Poole boasts a goalscoring prowess beyond her years and has already been involved with the senior Wales set up. A move North at 19 with the prospect of full time football could kick her development into overdrive and provide Rangers with the goalscoring boost they need without going all in on a striker and limiting opportunities for Kirsty Howat and Jane Ross.
Hearts
Hearts finished a successful season as ‘best of the rest’, not an achievement to be scoffed at, especially finishing above their city rival Hibs. This is only the beginning for Eva Olid’s side and they are looking to spoil the top 3 party next year. Hearts have already secured Grant, Brownlie, Parker-Smith and Rodgers to new deals which has assured that the strong defensive spine is assured. Whilst having one of the best defences in the league, they also had one of the worst attacks. In fact 9 other teams scored more than them this season. If Hearts want to progress they will need to score more than 39 goals. They have locked in Georgia Timms on a new deal as well who has proven she can score but they will need to add more support for Timms as well as more firepower.
Hearts could look towards the North-East to one of the more exciting young forwards in the league, Bayley Hutchison. The attacker scored 12 times last season for an underperforming Aberdeen, and has now made over 100 appearances at only 19 years of age scoring 90 times in the process (a scoring rate of nearly a goal a game). Hearts would get the energy and potential of a young star, with the experience and reliability of a striker who has scored at all the levels she’s played at during Aberdeen’s rise back to the top table.
Hearts could also look at some of the great talent playing in the SWPL 2. Ami Robertson netted 17 times in the league for Gartcairn who really upset the apple cart by marauding to second place in their first season in SWPL 2, and were within 45 minutes of promotion to the top tier. She has announced her intention to leave the club and will have a host of clubs racing to talk about a deal. Robertson is a proven goal scorer and given the opportunity she will get the ball into the net. With players like Ciara Grant behind and linking up with Timms we’re sure she would be able to add to Hearts’ goal tally.
Hibernian
A tough season for Hibs ended with manager Dean Gibson leaving his post, Grant Scott was quickly appointed after leaving Durham earlier this season. A manager who can hopefully bring the trophy winning mentality back to the club where he was so successful, but, we aren’t here to talk managerial appointments. On the pitch Hibernian have been far too weak defensively. Despite being the fourth highest scorers last season with 54 , Hibs conceded 52 goals which meant they couldn’t keep up with Hearts or worry the top 3. With Siobhan Hunter and Joelle Murray slowing down, Leah Eddie’s future looking destined to be in either midfield or at right back, and Lucy Parry returning to Liverpool, three or four additions could be needed in defence alone. The standout must haves are an aggressive central defender who can bring some youthful energy to the back line and a left back to replace Parry who will be in Liverpool’s plans if Matt Beard has been paying attention to her time in the capital.
Hibs have gotten ahead of us announcing three exciting signings, most notable Mya Christie. Her influence at the Dons was much stronger further up the field and Grant Scott loves a pacey winger, but we can’t rule out the potential for her as a defensive addition with her experience at full back.
Following Christie, Aberdeen’s Jess Broadrick would be an ideal pick up for the club. Broadrick is a fantastic central defender, with the aggression and defensive nous that could be missing if Joelle Murray and Siobhan Hunter are to move into squad roles. Some have gone as far as to dub Broadrick the next Jen Beattie (not us, unless this works out in which case it was us). Tall, strong, and good on the ball, the Scotland youth defender has impressed many since the step up to SWPL 1 and Grant Scott could be the manager to take her game to the next level.
At left back, Scottish youngster Niamh Murphy spent last season on loan at English Championship side Blackburn, where she won the club’s young player of the year. Recently released by parent club Manchester United, we’d be very excited to see her move to the top division in her home country. Now is the time for the 20-year-old full back to breakout and start knocking on the door of the national team. Flying down the left for Hibernian feels like a good fit for just that. A proper attacking full back who could quickly establish herself as the best in the league if she continues her Blackburn form. We know from previous experience that Grant Scott’s tactics emphasise the full back role and this feels like a perfect opportunity for both player and club.
A move for one of the standouts from Grant Scott’s time at Durham, American midfielder Dee Bradley, would also be huge for Hibernian. A defensive midfielder who eats space for breakfast and has a Lena Oberdorf-esque quality in sniffing out danger and stopping attacking threats, she can also operate across the defence if necessary. In a double pivot with Ellis Notley, Hibs would have that area of the pitch on lockdown allowing McAlonie and the forward players more freedom to advance.
Partick Thistle
Brian Graham’s team had a fantastic season, breaking into the top 6 and playing some fantastic football along the way. They will want to push on from there, a big part of that will be retaining key players such as Cara Henderson, Rosie Slater and Amy Bulloch, which they have already managed to do (amongst others).
To take the next step it will be about how they can supplement this. Already they have brought in exciting young midfielder Rachel Wright from Glasgow City. Thistle are looking to build something and so they could look to be quite ambitious this summer. Hibernian recently announced the departures of Ava Kuyken and Katie Lockwood. Kuyken is of strong pedigree, coming through Arsenal’s youth academy before playing over 100 times for Bristol City and a successful spell in College in America. Still only 21, no doubt she will have a number of suitors but if Thistle could pull it off it would be a real mark of intent. Lockwood would be another great signing, only joining Hibs in January but immediately making her mark scoring 7 times. When she joined Hibs she spoke of her ambition and the attraction of the Scottish game, Thistle would definitely match that ambition and would give her the platform to further showcase her talents. A trio of Henderson, Kuyken and Lockwood would be pretty dangerous.
The one glaring issue for the Jags though is the defence, with both club heroes Kim Murphy and Taylor McGlashan leaving. There are some pretty big shoes to fill. One player we’ve looked at who would be a strong addition to this squad could be Chloe Warrington. The 21 year old joined Glasgow City last year from Celtic but has not had as much game time as she was maybe hoping. A versatile full-back who Celtic fans were upset to lose. A permanent transfer is probably unlikely but a loan could work out best for everyone. Thistle get a great new full-back, Warrington gets to play 90 minutes every week and City get a player coached by the magnificent, majestic, perfect, stunning, suave Brian Graham.
Spartans
Now for Debbi McCulloch’s Spartans, the vibiest team in the league, and with a plethora of young talent they can be a frightening outfit for any team on their day. They ended last season in incredible form but ultimately disappointed not to have been in the top half. With a side so young inconsistency is almost inevitable. They have another year under their belts now and with major players renewing contracts the club continue to push towards a full time model. It is an exciting time to be a Spartans fan (the men have also been promoted to the SPFL, meaning there are no longer any clubs in SWPL1 with a non-SPFL affiliated men’s team). A quick look through the Spartans squad from last season makes it clear what they are missing, players in their prime. They only have one player between the ages of 25 and 29 in Simone McMahon, half the squad are 21 or younger, and a further five are over 30 years old. They are well covered for positions but adding players in their peak years (and their experience) can go some way to help their inconsistency.
That leads us to 27-year-old free agent, Abbi Grant. She would take pressure off the goalscoring talents of Alana Marshall and Becky Galbraith, another experienced head in the attack that can provide mentorship to their plethora of young players. Her record speaks for itself, she has scored goals everywhere she has been. Last season she didn’t play the most football for champions Glasgow City, but when she did her injury issues looked well in the past. A goal against the typically tough to break Partick Thistle, who finished one position higher than Spartans, a real highlight.
Another option could be a loan-return for Colette Cavanagh. The mercurial winger spent a year at Spartans earlier in her career and is now at Rangers where she has struggled to make an impact. Previously she has been touted for a Scotland call-up, but with her time off the pitch that dream is fading. Scoring a couple rockets at Ainslie Park would surely restart the conversations. Only 24 so not quite in the 25-29 age range (she turns 25 in November) but she made her SWPL debut at 16 so has plenty of experience and will be entering her peak years.
If we’re to totally ignore the age restriction we set ourselves then Scotland cap, Rebecca McAllister, would be an incredible coup. Recently released by Hearts the young star is looking to push on and cement her place in the national team and at 20 years old this move could be crucial. Spartans offer the chance of staying in the capital and being mentored by one of the SWPL’s top managers as well as a number of SWPL legends. She will likely end up at one of the top three or away from Scotland, and we wouldn’t rule out a move to Hibernian, but Spartans could offer a platform that is more beneficial to her in the long term and that might be enough to really excite the young midfielder.
Motherwell
Motherwell had a fairly successful season, getting to the semi-final of the Scottish cup and kept themselves securely mid-table, almost breaking into the top 6. There are some very talented players in the squad, such as Kaela Mcdonald-Nguah, Carla Boyce and Louisa Boyes amongst others - it is no wonder they outscored 7 other teams in the league.
For Motherwell to break into the top 6 they will need to add to their squad, and the loan market could be a great way for them do this. A previous version of this article suggested Tegan Bowie but then she moved to Hibernian permanently on the same day that we posted (because of course she did). In her place is another young, dynamic, Glasgow based forward with Celtic connections. Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest. Forrest’s work rate and desire are standout, her energy would be a real asset to Motherwell. Having already played in City’s first team, quite successfully, regular first team football would give Forrest the platform to make her mark on Scottish football. At City she’s usually found on the wing but she’s more than capable of moving up to a more central role to support Boyce for Motherwell.
Speaking of Tiree Burchill, making her loan move permanent - or extending - would be great piece of business for Motherwell. Only joining Motherwell in February she has made her mark and having another year of regular game time in the top tier would be invaluable for her. The young forward thrived in the new environment, mostly playing as part of an attacking force and using her pace to stretch teams.
Other options for the ‘Well include looking to the SWPL 2. If they are looking to add some steel to their defence it wouldn’t be a bad idea to look towards Kilmarnock, the second best defence in the league (on goals conceded) with many players ready for the step up. Reese McCulloch has been a brick wall for Killie with fellow players hyping her up as a main part of their impressive defensive record. She lead the league for Aerial duels, winning a ridiculous 72% of them across the season which defintely helped Kilmarnock to the most clean sheets. If there’s a defender heading every ball away that comes near it is pretty hard to get shots at goal! She is a commanding centre-half who would sure up Motherwell providing the base for their attacking talent to flourish.
Finally for Motherwell, Kaitlyn Canavan would be an exciting return. Most recently playing for Rossvale and inspiring them to within touching distance of the SWPL 2, the attacker is a bag of tricks, with pace to burn and a fierce shot. She is able to make something out of nothing and will want to show that ability in the top tier, which Motherwell fans might already know from her time at the club previously. She has also played for Partick Thistle in the top tier (and Glasgow women in the SWPL 2 before that), so bringing her back up to the SWPL 1 would be an exciting move for them and it would be great to see her at this level again. Anyone who saw Rossvale’s playoff run will know what a baller she is. If you missed those games, then we promise you she is a baller and I guess just take our word for it?
Aberdeen
Sophie Goodwin beat us in the race to publish transfer takes. Aberdeen fans (and anyone curious) can find her article here, but finish reading this one first, yeah?
Aberdeen couldn’t capitalise on an outstanding first season and ended up in the relegation dogfight for much of this year. Like Rangers, they face the task of appointing a new manager before really thinking about transfers. The big issue for Aberdeen is that far too many games have been thrillers and they don’t feel safe whatever the scoreline. The side are extremely young, even by SWPL standards, and some experience in goal could help to provide a safety net in those moments. Annalisa McCann is fantastic, and will only get better at just 18, but her inexperience has cost Aberdeen at times. Someone to come in and take the pressure off, and potentially help to provide some mentorship, would likely benefit her development more than the current circumstances.
Aberdeen local, and Northern Ireland #2, Becky Flaherty could be that keeper. At just 25 she is still relatively young but has had a 6-year career in England starting with Liverpool and most recently playing in the third tier for Brighouse Town. With 7 Northern Ireland caps so far, a top flight move could help her displace Jacky Burns in net for the green and white of Northern Ireland.
Within the SWPL it can be hard going to convince players to move to the North-East. However, the prospect of full-time football for Chloe Nicolson could secure the Dons one of the SWPL’s finest and at just 21 she has plenty more to give. Nicolson was often the difference that kept Accies in touching difference of those above them and has a serious future in the game. A statement of intent for Aberdeen, and a safe pair of hands for the next decade.
We do have a left field shout, a keeper who has a wealth of experience at just 21-years-old and would be unbothered by the weather in the North-East, Óluva Allansdóttir Joensen. Some of you will have a vague recognition of that name, that’s because she was in nets for Scotland’s most recent trip to Tórshavn to face the Faroe Islands. Despite conceding 6 KÍ Klaksvík Kvinnur’s keeper (a lot of alliteration) frustrated Scotland’s forwards with a number of fantastic saves. She has amassed 13 national team caps, played numerous games in the Champions League, and she has plenty of room to improve.
Dundee United
United struggled to get going this season, but given their budget and positioning, staying up was the objective and they achieved it - and avoided the playoffs. A huge part of that was the incredible form of Danni McGinley. Keeping McGinley in the building needs to be the top priority for them, after achieving 17 goals and 11 assists, as well as a place in the HYT team of the season. She is incredible.
With other teams strengthening and Montrose coming up, United cannot solely rely on McGinley again. There are some very exciting players across the SWF Championship which they could definitely attract. Angyl Learmonth from Hutchie Vale is an immediate standout. 24 (twenty-four) goals from midfield (midfield) for a 6th placed team (sixth out of eight) is almost impossible to ignore. Adding these goals to McGinley, as well as linking up with the creativity of Neve Guthrie and Georgie Robb would be a great addition for United.
Dundee United could also look to loan market as well. This year they had Leigha Dobbins in from Celtic quite successfully. As she is now away to America (best of luck if you’re reading this Leigha!) they could go back to Celtic for Dobbin’s teammate, and debut twin, Claire Goldie. Goldie has greatly impressed when getting minutes for Celtic, claiming an assist in her full debut earlier this year. An exciting, pacey forward who would happily take players on, she would be a great addition and again take some pressure of McGinley.
Hamilton Accies
Accies are in a similar position to Dundee United. A successful season means avoiding relegation which they did this year - just. This task is going to be doubly hard next season and without much of a budget to support they will need to be clever with their transfer dealings.
An immediate thought goes to Glasgow Women, the team that finished bottom of SWPL 1 and were relegated. Glasgow GWFC are renowned for their ability to bring through young players and they have been doing that again this year. Kayleigh Barghati is yet another example of this. An exciting, young, forward thinking midfielder. At only 18 she has been on the bench for Motherwell after coming through Celtic’s academy, and now getting regular game time in the top flight through Glasgow GWFC. Her desire to get on the ball and look up would be invaluable for Accies helping link up with Josi Giard in attack to help them score a few more goals. Barghati is also a great athlete and her energy and stamina would be a great addition. A key part of them beating Gartcairn in the play-offs was their fitness levels and Barghati would only improve those overall levels.
Hamilton were also at Broadwood for the playoffs - focusing on their own game - but if they were there earlier they would have seen some of the top players fighting out in the SWPL 2 playoffs. Noticeably Shana MacPhail, a strong presence at the top end of the pitch scoring 13 goals for a team fighting relegation is pretty good going. She has a great ability to keep the ball up the pitch, is a threat from set-plays and knows what the net looks like, all pretty good attributes for a team that will likely be fighting at the bottom again next year. She’s now graduated and will be looking for her next opportunity, if that is in Scotland a step up to SWPL 1 could be an exciting prospect for her.
Montrose
Craig Feroz has led Montrose to back-to-back promotions with very little change to the squad. Louise Brown and Lauren Gordon arrived from Aberdeen to huge impact, likewise London Pollard from Motherwell. But, at its core this is the same team that won promotion to SWPL 2. For them to take another step up will be tough and this may be the most difficult window of Feroz’s time in charge. He has previously stated that he will only sign the right players with the right mentality as his tenure has seen a real emphasis on the mental side of the game. The retirement of Amy Strath makes identifying the big hole in their team easy, central defence.
It’s cliché but promoted teams bringing in an experienced player at their new level can often be the difference between surprising everyone and heading straight back from whence they came. One player that fits that mould is Mhairi Hawksworth. The Partick Thistle hall of famer has played quite literally all over the pitch in her career, at 31 she can help fill the void left by Amy Strath. Currently at Gartcairn she’s shown the ability to play at a high level, marshalling a backline that pushed Montrose for much of the season. Location could be a stumbling block, but if they can work it out then it’s a no brainer.
On the other end of the spectrum age-wise, but still vastly experienced at SWPL1 level, is Jenna Penman. Erin Ross has been a revelation since Feroz moved her to right back, with the Montrose manager going as far as to claim she would play for Scotland one day when we spoke to him recently (for something coming soon, keep those eyes peeled) and while Penman may prefer to play in that position, the former Hearts defender has all the qualities to play centrally too. Good on the ball, physically dominant and not shy of a tackle. The 20-year-old defender would slot right into that backline with knowledge of what it takes to defend against the attackers in SWPL 1. A local to the area which could make all the difference in convincing her to move back North.
If they look at where they came from then there is no ignoring 21-year-old Rebecca Hellgren of Stirling Uni. The Swedish centre back has graduated and left the club after keeping Kaitlyn Canavan quiet in the playoff to secure their SWPL 2 status and is more than ready for the step up to SWPL 1. Tall and strong, she really thrives off of the physical battle and if she chooses to stay in Scotland there would likely be a host of teams offering her a deal. She can offer real strength to Montrose’s backline and could go under the radar of their rivals with the typical focus on established SWPL 1 players and those released by academies of the top teams.