Transfers - comings, goings - 21/22 - United players ask PFA for backing

Wixqaz

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Looking at the remaining fixtures only Everton can throw us an unlikely Champions League lifeline, if we do end up losing out on goal difference will be a kick in the guts for the girls but if they can use that to drive them on that's a positive. What positions do people think that Casey needs to address in the summer in order to push for that third spot next season. Will admit I don't want every game but from the ones I have seen it feels like we need a better defence in the big 3 games and a prolific striker up front because have missed Russo & Heath massively.
I'd say CF, CM, CB and a clone of Batlle for the other FB. Ideally an upgrade at GK is needed to but unlikely right now and Earps is okay. If Press and Heath don't stay another RW as well. After today, Maria's height was definately a plus, because Millie T is the best header and so it's easy to mark her out at Set Pieces. Some of this depends as well on who stays and goes. Think this season has shown the squad is to small anyway so if anyone leaves for gametime etc I'd suggest another replacement will be needed for them as well.
 

croadyman

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I'd say CF, CM, CB and a clone of Batlle for the other FB. Ideally an upgrade at GK is needed to but unlikely right now and Earps is okay. If Press and Heath don't stay another RW as well. After today, Maria's height was definately a plus, because Millie T is the best header and so it's easy to mark her out at Set Pieces. Some of this depends as well on who stays and goes. Think this season has shown the squad is to small anyway so if anyone leaves for gametime etc I'd suggest another replacement will be needed for them as well.
Which of those do you think is the highest priority this summer because we haven't got the budget of City/Chelsea/Arsenal
 

Wixqaz

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Which of those do you think is the highest priority this summer because we haven't got the budget of City/Chelsea/Arsenal
Thing is in the women’s game the players don’t usually cost a transfer fee. I wouldn’t be surprised if the budget can be equal Arsenal, if not the others. Not every player will cost what a USWNT player does.

It should be that this new TV deal means there’s more money for player salaries. Especially for foreign imports. I think the FW position and FB/CB should be priority. If money is a problem there’s a couple of young WSL players that would be good choices and there’s also a number of high level European players who will be on frees at the end of this season.

Perhaps there could be a thread where we discuss options for signings?
 

jojojo

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I'd say CF, CM, CB and a clone of Batlle for the other FB. Ideally an upgrade at GK is needed to but unlikely right now and Earps is okay. If Press and Heath don't stay another RW as well. After today, Maria's height was definately a plus, because Millie T is the best header and so it's easy to mark her out at Set Pieces. Some of this depends as well on who stays and goes. Think this season has shown the squad is to small anyway so if anyone leaves for gametime etc I'd suggest another replacement will be needed for them as well.
Yes, it's difficult at the moment because we don't know who'll stay and who'll leave. I'm guessing Press and Heath will go. I think this must have been an especially tough year for foreign players so I'm hoping that the others will stay though I can't blame any of them if they want to leave. Amy Turner's partner is heading to the US, will she want to follow? And even Lauren James has to be a doubt, with family and possible new football options in London.

I'm sure we won't lose the lot but I can see us hunting for multiple first choice players, just as replacements. At which point, at least some of the decisions will depend on money and United's ability to get new sponsors etc.

Where did we look weak compared to the top three? A ruthless and prolific striker - though that may resolve itself as Russo, James etc get more experience. A new centre back to partner Millie Turner, there are times when we look so unbalanced and disorganised at the back. But so much of our trouble this year has been around squad depth and that makes it hard to choose - can you really budget for losing Heath, Galton, Russo and for having forwards like Press, James and now Fuso out for prolonged periods.
 

Wixqaz

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Yes, it's difficult at the moment because we don't know who'll stay and who'll leave. I'm guessing Press and Heath will go. I think this must have been an especially tough year for foreign players so I'm hoping that the others will stay though I can't blame any of them if they want to leave. Amy Turner's partner is heading to the US, will she want to follow? And even Lauren James has to be a doubt, with family and possible new football options in London.

I'm sure we won't lose the lot but I can see us hunting for multiple first choice players, just as replacements. At which point, at least some of the decisions will depend on money and United's ability to get new sponsors etc.

Where did we look weak compared to the top three? A ruthless and prolific striker - though that may resolve itself as Russo, James etc get more experience. A new centre back to partner Millie Turner, there are times when we look so unbalanced and disorganised at the back. But so much of our trouble this year has been around squad depth and that makes it hard to choose - can you really budget for losing Heath, Galton, Russo and for having forwards like Press, James and now Fuso out for prolonged periods.
Thanks for the thread.

I agree, that’s why I’m a bit reluctant to say get rid of this player and that player, because a lot of the issues this year are squad depth. We need additions first of all and those players you mentioned may need to be replaced as well.

There’s a few players at lower WSL clubs that would be good signings for both depth and the future -

Maya Le Tissier from Brighton. Defender.
Ebony Salmon from Bristol. She left after getting no games in the Championship so she may be reluctant to come back. Forward.
Alanna Kennedy from Spurs. She can play a range of roles. Def/mid.

From abroad.

Vilde boe Risa. Linked with United. Would be on a free now, gone quiet though. Midfielder.
Fans have been linking Bunny Shaw from Bordeaux but I’m not sure that’s legit. Striker.
There’s a number of Wolfsburg players OOC this summer, they’re a quality team. I’m on my phone so its a bit hard to get the list. But this is the advantage in the women’s games, a lot of players will be available on free transfers, it’s just if they’ll come without UWCL etc.
 

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For me our Midfield two is a massive problem.

And the worst thing is we are more likely to go into next season with a worse Midfield than better one. That is not acceptable
 

kundalini

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My priorities would be:

- central defender (starter) to play alongside whichever of Amy, Millie or Maria T, happen to be in form. Needs to be someone who is comfortable starting moves, rather than the endless passing between Amy and Millie, then back to Mary Earps. Must be faster than Amy Turner.

- left-back (starter). We currently have one decent full-back (Ona Battle) and several acceptable back-ups, all of whom are right-footed. In hindsight, I wish more had been done to develop Lotta Okvist. Must be left-footed and comfortable in possession, competent defensively. Ideally, able to create chances and contribute assists.

- right-wing (starter). Assuming Tobin Heath leaves, the only player we have who is comfortable playing wide right is Kirsty Hanson. She has the potential to become a good player but needs to tighten up her game a lot before she reaches that level. New signing has to be fast and provide good quality crosses.

The rest of the team looks ok to me so long as the younger players improve a bit. If they don't, then we are in big trouble. It is hard to know if the encouraging first half of the season/pre-Christmas is our natural level or the alarming spell since returning in the new year. While injuries have clearly had an impact, that doesn't explain why the fit players have declined so much.

Jane Ross, Tobin Heath, Christen Press and perhaps Kirsty Smith, to leave.
 
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Wixqaz

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My priorities would be:

- central defender (starter) to play alongside whichever of Amy, Millie or Maria T, happen to be in form. Needs to be someone who is comfortable starting moves, rather than the endless passing between Amy and Millie, then back to Mary Earps. Must be faster than Amy Turner.

- left-back (starter). We currently have one decent full-back and several acceptable back-ups, all of whom are right-footed. In hindsight, I wish more had been done to develop Lotta Okvist. Must be left-footed and comfortable in possession, at least decent defensively. Ideally, able to create chances and contribute assists.

- right-wing (starter). Assuming Tobin Heath leaves, the only player we have who is comfortable playing wide right is Kirsty Hanson. She has the potential to become a decent player but needs to tighten up her game a lot before she reaches that level. New signing has to be fast and provide good quality crosses.

The rest of the team looks ok to me so long as the younger players improve a bit. If they don't, then we are in big trouble. It is hard to know if the encouraging first half of the season/pre-Christmas is our natural level or the alarming spell since returning in the new year. While injuries have clearly had an impact, that doesn't explain why the fit players have declined so much.

Jane Ross, Tobin Heath, Christen Press and perhaps Kirsty Smith, to leave.
Do you have any suggestions for the players? Anyone caught your eye from another club?
 

Wixqaz

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I want Jade Bailey who plays for liverpool
The player from Liverpool I'd go for Rinsola Babajide. Provided her issues at Liverpool are more to do with them than the player (and as they've been terrible to their womens team for years I tend to blame the club first).
 

jojojo

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Babajide looks like she's got massive potential and she's very much a United kind of signing, so I can certainly imagine that move. She doesn't yet quite answer that question of top flight finisher, guaranteed starter though. She'll be another one with that question of, if she develops how we hope, next to her name.

Fans have been linking Bunny Shaw from Bordeaux but I’m not sure that’s legit.
I loved watching her with the Jamaican team, but I haven't seen her play since the World Cup really. In fact, apart from the occasional CL match I've not really seen much of the options outside WSL.

I'm hoping that the Olympics coverage might inspire me. It's only a small tournament of course, but I'm hoping.
 

Andersons Dietician

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I don’t really know enough about woman’s football to judge if this is just the standard of CB’s but I find it weird that Millie Turner gets so much praise. For me Amy Turner looks far more sound and secure of a defender, where I find Millie makes so many basic errors in games I’m surprised we haven’t conceded a lot more.

Like I was saying I don’t know enough about the woman’s game in general to then say we should get so and so.

I think if it was possible Cuthbert who plays at City would be a good purchase. She’s looked good everytime I’ve seen her and if I’m not mistaken she is somewhat of a bit part player there.

I’m not entirely sure what’s happened to our midfield but it seems to have lost its ability to control games and I’m not sure if that’s just due to having to move Zelem and Jackie around to accommodate Toone or what. Ladd is nailed on. Should play every game when fit and available.
 

Wixqaz

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It's a bit hard to know who's available from the top 3 WSL sides. Although tbh almost all their players have a quality equivalent or better to whats currently here. It's hard to know which players are happy at Chelsea\City in particular if they don't play that often. If I was Beth England in particular I'd want to be playing more in seasons to come to really cement my NT place as she's not really young. Leah Williamson's contract expires at Arsenal but I really expect her to stay there, she's a lifer there I think.

Erin Cuthbert is at Chelsea but I agree she's a quality player.

Here's a list of a few top level international players who's contracts are supposed to expire this summer. Of course they may re-sign with their club, some may look to go back home etc and in info may be out of date now. But it gives us a few player names to keep an eye on. Almost all these teams will be in UWCL next season, so that may also impact on any signings and they also will be courted by other clubs. But they're worth a look.

PSG - Paredes, Endler, Nadim, Bruun
Lyon - Kumagai, Karchaoui
Bordeux - Khadija Shaw
Barcelona - Kheira Hamraoui, Sandra Paños
A. Madrid - Toni Duggan - I don't really rate Duggan tbh, I think she'll probably go to Everton. Also I don't see how they make the UWCL this season so surely alot of their other players will be on the way out as well.
Levante - Think several of their team expire inclusing Esther.
R.Madrid - Jakobsson and Asllani
Bayern - Amanda Ilestedt, Simone Laudehr, Carina Schlüter
Wolfsburg - Frido Rolfo, Ingrid Engen

I'm not sure about the Italian teams or the Scandinavian ones.

In an ideal world you'd want Endler as she's probably the best GK in the world. Engen is also a really good young Mid. Esther has scored loads this season, so has Shaw, both are CF. Paredes is a really good CB. But I don't think any really have been linked, so this is more 'hope they're shopping at this level'. Real I think will be going for a lot of people this summer, so I wouldn't be surprised for a few, especially the Levante players to end up there.
 

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Working as a scout within women's football myself, I must say it's not really realistic for United to bring players from the absolutely top this summer. United are not going to be in the Champions League, even if it will be expanded this coming season. (I think Arsenal will be the third English team).
The attraction of the English league might pull a few players, eg Khadija Shaw, who might stay and play CL with Bordeaux.
United are in a difficult position. They need to strengthen at several positions, but can they manage to sign the right ones who will improve the team from day 1.? Exciting times ahead.

The Levante team is exciting and several young talents in the side. The same goes with some of the young Dutch players from PSV, Ajax & Twente. But are they ready to join United and take it to the next level.? I think it will be a bit early for them this summer.
 

Danish Wizard

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I see United are now reportedly close to Asisat Oshoalo from Barcelona, and might buy her this summer, even if her contract runs to 2022.
That would be kind of a surprise, as she has been magnificent for Barca this season.
 

Wixqaz

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I see United are now reportedly close to Asisat Oshoalo from Barcelona, and might buy her this summer, even if her contract runs to 2022.
That would be kind of a surprise, as she has been magnificent for Barca this season.
That does seem to have legs and she is a big Man United fan so would make some sense.

That said, she does miss a lot of chances and didn't impress when in WSL before. But still she has been scoring this year. I think she played with Stoney at Arsenal from memory.
 
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Wixqaz

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Now Bristol City are down I'll be interested to see where some of their players go.

Specifically Baggaley and Salmon. I'd take both at United, Baggers could push Earps to be better and she is a really good keeper (obviously Endler from PSG is the ideal but thats not going to happen). Salmon, I'm not sure what went on when she was here before but I'd take her now if she didn't leave with any issues.
 

kundalini

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Now Bristol City are down I'll be interested to see where some of their players go.

Specifically Baggaley and Salmon. I'd take both at United, Baggers could push Earps to be better and she is a really good keeper (obviously Endler from PSG is the ideal but thats not going to happen). Salmon, I'm not sure what went on when she was here before but I'd take her now if she didn't leave with any issues.
You can cross Ebony Salmon off the list. Katie Whyatt said the deal to Louisville was done a few months ago.


 

Wixqaz

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You can cross Ebony Salmon off the list. Katie Whyatt said the deal to Louisville was done a few months ago.


Yeah I saw that. I don't like the coach there but good on her for trying another league.

As for United I have no idea now with no Casey. Certain players we know are going but now any incommings and renewals will depend on her replacement. Does anyone at United know about Woso to actually hire a good replacement? Who knows but tbh it needs to happen soon as available players wont hang around and wait. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up giving it to one of the male ex-players and I just think that would be a disaster.

I'm quiet down on the outlook for the team tbh and I'd really enjoyed watching them the last few years. Just so disapointing when you compare where we were even in September last year and it looked so promising for the future.
 

jojojo

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You can cross Ebony Salmon off the list. Katie Whyatt said the deal to Louisville was done a few months ago.


A shame for us really, because I'd have loved to see her getting another run, but I'm pleased for her. She deserves the chance to make a move like that, if that's what inspires her. It should be great for her development as well.
 

jojojo

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Yeah I saw that. I don't like the coach there but good on her for trying another league.

As for United I have no idea now with no Casey. Certain players we know are going but now any incommings and renewals will depend on her replacement. Does anyone at United know about Woso to actually hire a good replacement? Who knows but tbh it needs to happen soon as available players wont hang around and wait. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up giving it to one of the male ex-players and I just think that would be a disaster.

I'm quiet down on the outlook for the team tbh and I'd really enjoyed watching them the last few years. Just so disapointing when you compare where we were even in September last year and it looked so promising for the future.
To be fair, United did well with the initial recruitment so they should be able to spot coaching talent. I'm really not sure who we'll go for though. Hopefully someone who knows enough to get straight into the recruitment, because the departures list is going to hurt.
 

Wixqaz

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Information from an Athletic article. As expected Heath and Press aren't coming back. LJ to Chelsea is a done deal. New info that Jess is off to Leicester.

I don't think any of that is a surprise. I'd lose Ross before Sigs but she probably wants/needs more gametime so I wish her well.

The new information is that another "first team starter" wants to leave. I think theres a few options for this, but we need a bit of caution because they also call Jess a starter and I don't think anyone would claim she is when she's fit. Groenen seems to be the concern online, and it might be. She's a class player and would want better facilities but she also posted about 'my club' last week. Amy Turner is another possibility because her fiance is moving to the NWSL and I did notice she hasn't posted anything about Casey leaving. Of course it could be someone who's less of a starter like Harris.
 

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Is the future looking bleak or what? With so many leaving, challenging nest year might be a pipe dream.
 

Wixqaz

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Is the future looking bleak or what? With so many leaving, challenging nest year might be a pipe dream.
All depends on who the new manager is and who any new players are. It's a bit of a downer that so many players are going to leave, and also that they're mostly the better players in the squad. But it could change quickly. Arsenal also haven't annouced their new manager and they're going to lose a few players as well (Roord has gone, Van de Donk is likely to as well). Best case right now I think is to keep challenging them for 3rd, but it's very possible it'll be trying to stay 4th instead.
 

kundalini

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Jane Ross got 350 mins in WSL, scoring 2 goals (our first goal against Birmingham and a late goal in the 3-0 win against Brighton)

Jess Sigsworth 580 mins, scoring 3 goals (none of them hugely important in the context of the matches), 1 assist (setting up Ella Toone's winner against Arsenal)

Lauren James 436 mins, scoring 2 goals (including a super strike at Chelsea), 1 assist

Christen Press 954 mins, 4 goals, 1 assist

Tobin Heath 575 mins, 4 goals, 2 assists

Based on this season's contributions, the only really significant loss is Tobin Heath. Christen didn't have the impact I expected or hoped for, though she had brief spells of looking a class player. Lauren James was injured for big chunks of the season. Jane Ross barely featured and Jess Sigsworth provided the assist for Ella Toone's winner against Arsenal and a few goals in one sided contests against modest WSL opponents; at times she looked a long way short of the desired standard.

Given that Alessia Russo missed most of last season and Ivana Fuso didn't feature too often, I'm not sure we necessarily need to replace all the players that leave, though it is hard to predict how injuries will impact us over the course of a season.
 
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What happened to the Lauren James to Chelsea announcement? 2 weeks ago it was going to happen any day according to most folks!
 

Wixqaz

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What happened to the Lauren James to Chelsea announcement? 2 weeks ago it was going to happen any day according to most folks!
Last thing I saw was that United were trying to get the best deal for her. Player swap may be involved. But most seem to think it'll just be a matter of time till it goes through.
 

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This has a great round up of all the rumours/likely deals in WSL this summer so far -

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57356271

Here's Uniteds part of it -

WSL champions Chelsea are expected to announce the signing of Manchester United forward Lauren James. Blues striker Bethany England could go out on loan in search of regular playing time before next summer's European Championship. (Would be better for England to leave permanently as she's already 26 but it's on a long contract, ideal replacement up front for United in a swap deal).

Manchester City defender Aoife Mannion could join Manchester United. (Aoife was great before she went to City, she's a cb but they played her at rb and then she did her ACL so who knows know, but she was a good player previously).

And Manchester United could bring in goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley, with Emily Ramsey potentially leaving. (I like Baggers she'd be a good challenger to Earps. Ideally Ramsey would get a year or so on loan in the WSL and play lots of games, she's still very young and she's looked okay in most games before).

Manchester United need a striker or two. They are expected to lose James and USA stars Tobin Heath and Christen Press.

Former boss Casey Stoney is believed to have done most of the recruitment before leaving. (Thats been mentioned elsewhere, including in the Man Utd statement after the fans meeting.)
 

Wixqaz

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First signing. Thomas was okay for WH, but was injured a fair bit. If she's replacing Sigsworth/Ross it's not a bad move, but if she's replacing Heath/Press/James then expectations for the new season should be significantly lowered.
 

jojojo

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First signing. Thomas was okay for WH, but was injured a fair bit. If she's replacing Sigsworth/Ross it's not a bad move, but if she's replacing Heath/Press/James then expectations for the new season should be significantly lowered.
I'm not sure how Thomas fits into the picture really. For sure, we lacked squad depth last season, but I'm not sure what she'll add. As you say, a decent choice if she's a swap out for Ross.

I don't know much about those Liverpool players, presumably they're coming on the strength of their potential - maybe playing more with the U21s next season than the first team?

I thought one Liverpool player we might go for was Babajide but last I read, she was being linked with a move to Brighton.
 

Wixqaz

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I'm not sure how Thomas fits into the picture really. For sure, we lacked squad depth last season, but I'm not sure what she'll add. As you say, a decent choice if she's a swap out for Ross.

I don't know much about those Liverpool players, presumably they're coming on the strength of their potential - maybe playing more with the U21s next season than the first team?

I thought one Liverpool player we might go for was Babajide but last I read, she was being linked with a move to Brighton.
I agree that the youth players from Liverpool are for the youth team. Several of the Academy staff came from Liverpool (Martin Ho, Charlotte Healy and more) so I suspect it's their influence thats guiding that side of the recruitment.
 

jojojo

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Hmmm, I'm really not liking the looks of how the transfer window is going so far. I'm still hoping we've got players but aren't saying much until our new manager (who???) arrives.

Khadija Shaw is going to City - not really a surprise, I just wish it wasn't them as I do like her
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57487021

Next one, Anna Anvegard, Swedish international centre forward. I don't know if she actually chose them over us, but I do know she's highly rated - looks like Everton are continuing to strengthen.
 

Wixqaz

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Hmmm, I'm really not liking the looks of how the transfer window is going so far. I'm still hoping we've got players but aren't saying much until our new manager (who???) arrives.

Khadija Shaw is going to City - not really a surprise, I just wish it wasn't them as I do like her
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57487021

Next one, Anna Anvegard, Swedish international centre forward. I don't know if she actually chose them over us, but I do know she's highly rated - looks like Everton are continuing to strengthen.
I think my issues are that the only (heavy) rumours we're seeing are for players that aren't improvements to what the squad already has.

The lack for rumours about the manager just makes it seem like nothing is being done. There's a lack of faith that they're actually working on something, meanwhile others are making signings that improve them drastically (Everton) or at least slightly improve them/maintain their level (Arsenal).
 

mazhar13

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Jess Sigsworth is also strongly linked to Leicester City.

Yeah, next season's going to be quite rough for us.
 

Wixqaz

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All the departures so far have been very expected. It seems likely that all the expired contract players will be announced in the next 7 days but those being purchased (James) may not.

Players that are very likely to leave - McManus (basically gone), Harris, James, Bentley?
Players that seem iffy (although I'd keep them) - Amy Turner, Smith,

All the above players have contracts that expire this year or have only a +1 (like Sigsworth). + James who basically everyone knows is off to Chelsea.

Emily Ramsey is another possible out who's been mentioned. I'd send her on loan so she can get game time and prove herself.

There's also the weird issue with Zelem's contract, she's never been announced as signing an extension. 4 year deals are almost unheard of even now in WSL so I doubt thats whats she signed originally. From social media it looks like she's staying (whereas Amy Turner's makes me think she's not). So it's a bit of an unknown really.

Basically I'm expecting 4-8 more outs and I'm not concerned yet unless we start getting unexpected leavers.