WSL has 'the edge' to attract Europe's best players
Lucy Bronze spent two years at Barcelona between 2022 and 2024
- Published
England defender Lucy Bronze says the Women's Super League has "the edge" of improving each year so is able to attract Europe's best players.
Several high-profile players from Spain - England's opponents on Friday - have been linked with a move to the WSL this summer.
BBC Sport reported on Monday that Mapi Leon, who left Barcelona last month after nine years there, has a verbal agreement in place to join London City Lionesses.
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is also leaving Barcelona after 14 years, and it is understood that London City Lionesses are in pursuit.
It follows moves by Mariona Caldentey to Arsenal and Lucia Corrales and Jana Fernandez to London City Lionesses in recent years.
"There has been a lot of players in Europe [moving] but I think it's been more recent with the Spanish players," said Bronze.
"The WSL is arguably one of the biggest leagues in the world and it's one of the most commercialised as well. The draw for playing for big clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal etc. is huge.
"The competition in the WSL is incredible to be a part of. The best players in the world want to be competing all the time for trophies.
"The English league has that edge now where we're going to another level every single season and the Lionesses' success has had a lot to do with that. It's just a really exciting league to be a part of, I think."
'The culture is amazing'
Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey made the switch from Barcelona to the WSL in 2024 and said she is "enjoying it so much".
During her first season with the Gunners, Caldentey faced Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final and beat them.
Asked why others from Spain are following suit, Caldentey said: "I think when England won the first Euros at home [in 2022], a lot changed in the country.
"They are doing a really good job in the league, and all the players are attracted by that. The competition that they have and the level is massive.
"We play in the big stadiums with all the fans and everyone is really following women's football. That is special. You can see that.
"The culture they have, it's amazing. I get why other players want to have these experiences abroad."
England face Spain in Friday's Women's World Cup qualifying match in Mallorca (20:00 BST) knowing a win or a draw secures their spot in next year's tournament.
They finish their qualifying campaign against Ukraine at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday (20:00 BST).
Sarina Wiegman's side have won all four of their qualifying matches so far and have a three-point lead over Spain in the table.
"Spain, for us, is an amazing opponent. They bring out the best in us," added Bronze.
"It's one of those rivalries where we have made each other better. It's good for the game and it's good for each other.
"The way Spain have improved over the past four or five years has really pushed this England team on to improve as well. That filters through to the rest of Europe.
"It's just a really good, fun rivalry that both teams absolutely love."
Spain know a victory by more than one goal margin will put them in the driving seat going into the final match of the qualifying stage.
Only the top team in the group automatically qualifies for the 2027 World Cup, while the rest drop into the play-offs.
Asked what England's biggest strengths are, Caldentey said: "They are really strong as a team and they know what they can do.
"They have been working together for a long time. Sarina Wiegman has done a really good job as well. They have players who can make a difference, like Alessia Russo, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp.
"I think the strongest thing I can say is how they play and fight from the first moment to the last."
