Former Arsenal Midfielder Linked to Move Back to WSL

Former Arsenal Women midfielder Lia Wälti could be set for a return to the Women’s Super League, less than a year after leaving the club for Juventus Women. The Switzerland international departed Arsenal on September 4, 2025, in a move that had long been expected by supporters, though it did little to soften the emotional…

samnihof

21 March 2026

1–2 minutes

Former Arsenal Women midfielder Lia Wälti could be set for a return to the Women’s Super League, less than a year after leaving the club for Juventus Women.

The Switzerland international departed Arsenal on September 4, 2025, in a move that had long been expected by supporters, though it did little to soften the emotional impact. She signed a deal with Juventus running until 2027, beginning a new chapter in Italy.

However, according to Soccerdonna, Wälti has now been linked with a potential return to England’s top flight.

Wälti’s time in Italy

Since joining Juventus, Wälti has made 12 appearances in all competitions, nine of which were starts. She has accumulated 717 minutes, contributed two assists, and earned Team of the Week recognition on two occasions.

While her influence in midfield remains clear, speculation around her future suggests a possible early return to familiar surroundings.

A decorated spell at Arsenal

Wälti joined Arsenal in 2018 from Turbine Potsdam and quickly established herself as a key figure in midfield.

During her time in North London, she won the Women’s Super League title, lifted the Continental Cup twice, and played a crucial role in Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in her final season, when they defeated FC Barcelona Femení.

Her leadership and consistency made her one of the most respected midfielders in the league.

International experience and leadership

On the international stage, Lia Wälti has been a cornerstone for Switzerland women’s national team since making her debut in 2011.

She has earned over 130 caps and captained her country at three major tournaments, including UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 on home soil. Switzerland reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Spain women’s national team.

Where could Wälti go next?

A player of Wälti’s quality and experience would be an asset to any Women’s Super League side.

London City Lionesses have built a reputation for recruiting experienced internationals and could emerge as a potential destination. However, given Wälti’s pedigree, she would strengthen virtually any midfield in the league.

A return to the WSL would not only bring experience and leadership but also a proven winner back into one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

One response to “Former Arsenal Midfielder Linked to Move Back to WSL”

Evan Potts

March 21, 2026 at 4:46 pm

It s sad to me, being an Arsenal fan, that Arsenal let Lia Walti go last year, (i ve been 99% in favour of Renee Slegers from the time she took over, despite many sceptics back then, but i sense Renee tended to leave Lia on the bench a bit too often, sometimes with just few minutes play, at the end of some games, that may have been for various tactical reasons at Arsenal but it s not always great for a player s moral, in fact i reckon it was tantamount to convincing Lia to leave the club and that left Arsenal relatively weak in midfield / defence, i hope Stanway may arrive in the summer to help midfield / attack … but i assumed Lia s move to Juve was perhaps for personal reasons so she could travel home to Switzerland more easily, but she looked a bit out of place to me in Italy, after having been settled in the WSL. .. .now with Katie McCabe expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the summer, i would be delighted to see Lia back at the Emirates, that s the right stage for her or possibly consider one of the Manchester clubs if not Arsenal. LCL are smart looking for experienced players, a team of balanced ages seems sensible to me but Lia is a top 3 team player imho … btw Arsenal need to be very careful soon that Beth Mead doesn t leave

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