Lucy Bronze says the Women's Super League has the edge when it comes to drawing Europe's best players, and she said it just as more big names from Spain were being linked with moves to England. The Chelsea defender described the WSL as “arguably one of the biggest leagues in the world” and said it is “really exciting” to be part of.
Bronze made the comments ahead of England's Women's World Cup qualifier against Spain, a match England can use to book a place at the 2027 World Cup if they avoid defeat. Spain can still take control of Group C if they win by more than one goal, while only the group winner goes straight through and second place must settle for a play-off.
The timing matters because the WSL is being pulled into the transfer talk around some of Spain's biggest names. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is leaving Barcelona after 14 years and London City Lionesses are among the favourites to sign her. Mapi Leon left Barcelona last month after nine years at the club, and reports have linked the Lionesses with a verbal agreement for the defender. Mariona Caldentey, Lucia Corrales and Jana Fernandez have already moved to the English league in recent years.
Bronze did not dismiss how much Spain have improved. She said the Spanish game has pushed England and, by extension, much of Europe forward over the past four or five years. But she still sees England's league as having the upper hand because of the size of the clubs, the level of competition and the appeal of chasing trophies every week. In her view, the rise of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal has helped make the WSL one of the most commercialised competitions in the game.
That is the part that gives the league its pull. Spain have closed the gap on the pitch, but the flow of players suggests the WSL is still where many of Europe's elite want to test themselves. England have won nine games against Spain this century in all competitions, and they could become the first team to beat Spain home and away in a qualifying campaign for a major tournament since the Netherlands before Euro 2009. For Bronze, the rivalry is no longer just about one night in Group C. It is helping shape where the best players in Europe want to play next.
