Liverpool FC Women are embarking on a new chapter in the 2025-26 Women's Super League (WSL) season, marked by the arrival of Gareth Taylor as their new head coach. After finishing seventh last season, the Reds are eager to improve and begin building towards challenging for trophies, something their fans have been waiting for.

Background

Liverpool, a founding member of the WSL, boasts a history of success, having won back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. However, they were relegated to the WSL2 in 2020 after the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They returned to the top flight in 2022 and finished fourth in the 2023-24 season. Last season was turbulent, with the team struggling with injuries and inconsistency, leading to Matt Beard's departure.

New Era Under Gareth Taylor

Gareth Taylor's appointment signals a fresh start for Liverpool. Taylor, formerly with Manchester City, brings a wealth of WSL experience. Liverpool hopes he will bring success in the long term and help build an identity for how they want to play. He spent five years at City, narrowly missing out on the league title in the 2023-24 campaign.

Summer Transfers

Liverpool has been active in the transfer market, with both arrivals and departures. The most significant outgoing transfer was Olivia Smith's move to Arsenal for a record fee of £1 million. Other departures included Taylor Hinds to Arsenal, Niamh Fahey's retirement, and the exits of Yana Daniels, Jasmine Matthews, and Teagan Micah.

To bolster the squad, Liverpool made several signings, including:

• Rafaela Borggräfe (Freiburg): The German goalkeeper is expected to be the long-term successor to Rachael Laws.
• Sam Kerr (Bayern Munich): The Scottish midfielder's loan move was made permanent.
• Kirsty Maclean (Rangers): The 20-year-old midfielder is eager to make an impact.
• Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign): The Wales defender is likely to fill the gap left by Hinds on the left.

Liverpool also extended contracts with several key players, including Rachael Laws, Ceri Holland, Mia Enderby, Fuka Nagano, Faye Kirby, Gemma Bonner, Hannah Silcock, and Leanne Kiernan.

Players to Watch

Several players could be key for Liverpool this season:

• Mia Enderby: The young prospect is aiming to become a star player.
• Marie Höbinger: The Austria international played a crucial role in Liverpool's fourth-place finish in the 2023-24 season.
• Lily Woodham: After playing in the Euro's for Wales, she is one to watch for the upcoming season.
• Fuka Nagano: The defensive midfielder is perfect for what Taylor wants from a midfielder.

Season Outlook

Liverpool will begin their 2025-26 WSL season with a Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield on September 7. Three league fixtures will be staged at Anfield, with the remaining home matches played at St Helens Stadium.

Despite the changes, questions remain about the level of investment in the squad by the club owners. The Guardian writers predict a ninth-place finish for Liverpool, while others believe they can improve on their seventh-place finish from last season. The team's success may depend on how quickly Taylor's philosophy is implemented and whether the new signings can gel with the existing squad.