In January, nine Swedish players joined English clubs, with seven moving to WSL top-flight sides and two to clubs in WSL 2.
Most arrived from the Damallsvenskan which, founded in 1988, represents the top tier of women’s professional football in Sweden. The season runs from March to November, meaning WSL sides can target players during their off-season, when many are free-agents.
The Damallsvenskan is considered one of the world’s premier leagues. It features 14 clubs and historically places a focus on technical development, often acting as a key competition for nurturing international talent.
Four players were signed from last season’s title winners Hacken, two from Hammarby and one from Rosengard.
However, the players signed have to show proven quality.
“There are big restrictions on the players WSL clubs can sign as they have to meet the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria as foreign players,” explained Emma Sanders, BBC Sport’s women’s football news reporter. “This is to secure work permits in the United Kingdom.
“The criteria covers things such as Champions League experience, international caps and the quality of the league the selling club plays in.
“Scandinavian players often meet the criteria more easily.”
