Five of the biggest deals from the WSL summer transfer window

Dozens of players were on the move in the Women's Super League this summer as clubs scrambled to add to their squads before the deadline on September 14.

The new campaign gets underway on October 1 and teams will be hoping that their business will give them a fighting chance to challenge top dogs Chelsea for the title.

As the opening weekend approaches, we take a look at five of the biggest deals that took place during the transfer window.

Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

One of the most high-profile deals of the summer was Arsenal's acquisition of England international Alessia Russo.

The former Manchester United forward joined the Gunners on a free after deciding not to renew her contract with the Red Devils and will be hoping to continue her prolific record in the WSL.

Russo, 24, bagged 10 goals in 20 league matches last season as United finished two points off champions Chelsea.

And the Lioness — fresh off a three-goal haul at the World Cup — has now put pen to paper on a long-term deal in North London.

Hinata Miyazawa (Manchester United)

United picked up World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa after the Japanese international made a splash Down Under.

The 23-year-old scored five goals in four games and led Japan to the quarter-finals before they eventually lost out to Sweden.

Having played for Mynavi Sendai in Japan's WE League for the past two seasons, Miyazawa will now have to prove her worth at one of Europe's biggest clubs.

Head coach Marc Skinner thinks her "dynamic" style will get fans off their seats.

Jill Roord (Manchester City)

Manchester City broke their transfer record by signing Jill Roord from Wolfsburg for a fee in excess of £300,000.

The 26-year-old was a Champions League finalist last season and has spent the last two campaigns in Germany having previously played for Arsenal.

Roord returns to the WSL as an 86-cap Dutch international and will be hopeful that City can mount a title challenge this season after they finished 11 points behind Chelsea in 2022-23.

Daphne van Domselaar (Aston Villa)

Carla Ward has added a Ballon d'Or nominee to Aston Villa's ranks in Daphne van Domselaar.

The Dutch goalkeeper comes in as a replacement for Hannah Hampton, who departed for Chelsea following an impressive season between the sticks.

Van Domselaar makes the switch to England's top flight from FC Twente and has signed a three-year deal with the Villans.

The 23-year-old was a regular starter for her country at the World Cup but was unable to guide the Netherlands to glory as they crashed out to eventual winners Spain.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Arsenal)

Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described Australian midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross as "one of the best young players in world football" after she signed on deadline day.

Cooney-Cross, 21, started all seven matches for the Matildas as they finished fourth at the World Cup on home soil and leaves Swedish side Hammarby IF.

The youngster already has 39 caps for her country and will link up with fellow Australians Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord in Arsenal's squad.