The January transfer window opens in a few weeks and could be a busy one as Women's Super League (WSL) clubs look to strengthen their squads ahead of the second half of the season.
Chelsea are currently at the top of the table, closely followed by players like Manchester City, Arsenal AND Manchester United. At the other end of the table, at least seven clubs are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.
WSL the 2024 action will end next weekend before the winter break. It will then resume at the end of January and clubs will be hoping to have some new faces in their ranks.
With that said, 90 Minutes has looked at six WSL stars who could be looking for time to play elsewhere next month, either permanently or on loan…
It's no secret that Chloe Kelly's future at Manchester City is up in the air as her contract heads into its final months. It last signed an extension in 2022 and that deal will expire in the summer.
With no progress seemingly imminent, the 26-year-old may be considering her options in the transfer window. She will no doubt have an eye on next summer's Euros and, having played such an important role in England's triumph in 2022, Kelly will be determined to keep herself in Sarina Wiegman's thoughts ahead of the tournament.
The England coach has previously suggested the striker her lack of playing time with her club is a concernbut her selection was not in doubt because of the loan she has in the bank. Injuries in attacking positions will certainly have helped her case in the last two international camps, but that could change by the summer as players return to full fitness.
It remains to be seen whether Kelly's intention is to stay at the Joie Stadium beyond this season, but if a free transfer is the plan six months from now, it won't be a surprise to see a move in January.
Another player fighting for playing time at their club is Denmark's Kathrine Kuhl. The 21-year-old signed for the Gunners in January 2023 from Danish club Nordsjaelland, but things have not gone well for the midfielder.
She spent the second half of last season on loan at WSL rivals Everton and the chance to reunite with her former manager Brian Sorensen was a major benefit of the move. Despite staying at Arsenal in the summer, minutes have been extremely difficult for Kuhl this season as she made her first league appearance in a seven-minute appearance against Aston Villa at the weekend.
Arsenal's midfield depth and minimal minutes this season could prompt the youngster to seek another loan move, especially with the Euros months away.
Another Arsenal player who could be on the move is 19-year-old Freya Godfrey. The forward had a previous spell in the Championship with Charlton Athletic but remained with the Gunners for the first half of the 2024/25 season.
or report by BBC journalist Emma Sanders suggested in August that Arsenal were open to a loan move for Godfrey to further his development, but nothing materialized before the window closed in September. As she hasn't racked up many minutes so far this term, loan options could be reviewed in January.
Elsewhere, Manchester City's Codie Thomas is another promising young star coming through the ranks. She signed her first official contract with the club earlier this month after making her senior debut in the Champions League against St. Polten in October.
The next step in the 18-year-old's development could be a loan move to a WSL or Championship club to accumulate more regular playing time, as opposed to the odd appearance here and there.
23-year-old left-back Alejandra Bernabe joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 and spent last season on loan in Liga F with Real Sociedad. Her playing time this season has been mainly with the academy and she is often an unused substitute with the first team.
Despite injuries to the backline, Sonia Bompastor still has the likes of Ashley Lawrence, Niamh Charles and Oriane Jean-Francois as options on the left wing. Charles' recent return from injury is only likely to limit Bernabe's chances even further.
A loan move, either in England or abroad, could be on the cards in January as Bernabe is a player of great promise, but he is currently not getting the minutes needed to further his development.
Consistent at left-back, Manchester United's Jess Simpson is back this season after a long lay-off with an ACL injury. She has accumulated few minutes under Marc Skinner this season, mainly in the League Cup, but United are well-stocked in her position.
Gabby George is the first choice, while in the summer they also signed 21-year-old Anna Sandberg from BK Hacken. Leah Galton has also featured at left-back, which only reinforces Simpson's low place in the pecking order.
The summer loan spell made sense as the 19-year-old completed her ACL recovery and regained fitness under the guidance of United's staff. However, a loan move in January could be perfect for both sides, especially if it can produce results similar to Grace Clinton's spells at Bristol City and Tottenham.