Women’s football round-up: Palace start maiden Super League season at Tottenham as Charlton make transfer additions

Crystal Palace will kick off their first-ever Women’s Super League season at Tottenham Hotspur.

Laura Kaminski’s Eagles, who won the Championship in April, are set to head to north London on September 22.

Palace’s first home league game will see them host seven-time title-winners Chelsea.

The Eagles host rivals Brighton on October 13 and head to the South Coast on February 13.

Palace go to Manchester City for the final day of the season.

Elise Hughes – the Championship Golden Boot winner from last season –  has penned a new deal with Palace.

The striker (pictured above) scored 23 goals in 27 appearances but suffered an ACL injury in the penultimate game of the campaign.

Head of women’s football Grace Williams said: “We are delighted that Elise has extended her stay with us by signing a new two-year contract.

“Her contributions were invaluable last season, and she played a key role in our promotion to the WSL.

“We will continue to work with her through her rehabilitation process, and look forward to seeing her return to the pitch when she is fit and ready to do so.”

Fliss Gibbons, Chloe Arthur and Molly Sharpe have all signed new deals.

Sharpe, 26, scored 10 times in 28 outings last season.

Charlton boss Karen Hills has been assembling her squad ahead of the new Championship season.

The Addicks have signed Princess Ademiluyi on loan from West Ham United for the 2024-25 season.

Ademiluyi, 18, only recently signed a professional deal with the Super League Hammers.

Hills has also added goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse, 27, to their ranks. Whitehouse has had spells with Lewes, Bristol City, Birmingham City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Whitehouse told Charlton’s website: “It’s really exciting, it’s good to be in such a professional environment and to get to work.

“I have worked with Karen previously and I really like the style of play.  Charlton did really well last year and came super close to promotion so I am excited for this year and hopefully getting close and that extra point.”

Defender Charlotte Newsham has joined from Sheffield United on a permanent deal. The 24-year-old has signed a one-year deal and was awarded Player of the Year in her second season with the Blades.

Newsham said: “I’m delighted to have signed with this club and I’m excited for the season to start.

“After speaking with Karen about her aims and ambitions for this team in the next few years, it felt like the right place for me to be in order to develop and take the next step in my career.”

Jodie Hutton has also joined from Sheffield United, with Gracie Pearse signing from Tottenham and Katie Bradley from Blackburn Rovers.

Bradley, 22, penned a two-year deal with the Addicks.

England defender Lucy Bronze has joined Women’s Super League champions Chelsea on a free transfer.

Bronze has won 23 club trophies, including five Champions League titles and eight domestic league titles. She was also a part of the England team that won Euro 2022.

The 32-year-old left Barcelona as a free agent and signed a two-year deal with the west Londoners.

“To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal,” said Bronze.

“I’m really excited to be back in England. My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games.

“I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.”