GMT 6 p. ET on Thursday, so the 12 WSL teams have now finalised their squads for the second part of the campaign. As we close the book on this eventful window, let's break down the winners and losers -- those who nailed their recruitment strategy and those still left with gaps to fill. Just when you thought Chelsea couldn't look more formidable, they go and add two of the world's best players into the mix.
In signing midfielder Keira Walsh and defender Naomi Girma, Sonia Bompastor's side addressed the two areas that most needed strengthening.
Unbeaten in 20 games with a record 11 wins from 12 games in the WSL , Chelsea already look like they have one hand on the league trophy. Girma and Walsh give them a better chance of winning the Champions League title that has thus far eluded them, though champions Barcelona -- despite losing Walsh -- remain clear favourites. When you consider that the Blues have a number of key players, including star striker Sam Kerr , yet to return from injury, it feels like they are only going to improve in the second half of the season.
The WSL's global appeal has been steadily building for some time now but this window has provided yet another example of why it is now viewed in some quarters as the best league in the world. That the year-old Girma, widely regarded as the best young defender in world football, has chosen to commit her best years to Chelsea is a huge statement, while Walsh's desire to leave the European champions and return to England is also an endorsement of the league's quality.
It hasn't been the easiest couple of years for Everton. While incessant injuries have disrupted matters on the pitch, Brian Sorensen's side have also had to navigate considerable upheaval off it as the details of a takeover were finalised. Now the Friedkin Group have assumed Farhad Moshiri's majority stake in the club, fans can afford to be optimistic again. And while there haven't necessarily been lots of big-money signings this January, Everton have recruited shrewdly, bringing a blend of quality and experience that should stand them in good stead for the second half of the season.
