Lia Walti has been the engine of Arsenal’s midfield for the last seven years. Now, though, she’s leaving the club to join Juventus. The Swiss midfielder confirmed her move on WSL Deadline Day. This chapter closes a successful tenure at Arsenal, where she made 183 appearances. In WSL’s other transfer news, Beth Mead, Williamson’s England teammate, will be staying put after rejecting a club-record transfer from London City Lionesses to stay with Arsenal.
Most fans – and apparently her teammates and coaches – were caught off guard with Walti’s choice. They’ve seen her develop into one of the most important players at Arsenal. She shared her bittersweet feelings about the change.
“This is without any doubt one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to take in my life, to leave this football club,” – Lia Walti.
Walti’s Legacy at Arsenal
During her tenure, Walti became known for her skillful play and leadership on the field. During this period, making 183 appearances for the club, 11 years of passionate hard work brought her and her teammates robust domestic and European success. Her departure marks the end of an era for the club. She is looking forward to new challenges in preparation for Juventus.
Walti looked back on her time with Arsenal, focusing on the strong bond she had created with the club and its fans.
“Arsenal is so much more than a football club for me. It became my home, my second family, my safe place. A place I always wanted to return to.” – Lia Walti.
As she moves on to this exciting new chapter, her fans and teammates remember. She was a fierce, loyal competitor who helped change the club’s culture forever.
Mead’s Commitment to Arsenal
Unlike Walti’s departure, Beth Mead’s decision to remain at Arsenal strengthens the narrative of her commitment to Arsenal. Despite receiving a lucrative offer from London City Lionesses, the England winger had made her decision weeks prior and opted to continue her journey with Arsenal.
Mead has since made 74 appearances for the England national team, netting 37 times and winning awards recognizing her exceptional play. Her pivotal role in England’s victory at Euro 2022, where she was named player of the tournament and won the Golden Boot, has established her as one of the leading figures in women’s football.
While her loyalty to Arsenal is admirable, she is an important figure as the Gunners’ ambitions continue beyond this year.
Future Broadcasts of Women’s Super League Matches
Fans can look forward to more coverage of women’s football as Sky Sports has committed to broadcasting 118 matches from the Women’s Super League each season. This major new initiative is designed to build on the momentum around women’s football and give fans more access to live matches.
As these two players continue on in their respective careers, Walti’s departure and Mead’s commitment illuminate the ever-changing landscape of women’s football. Adjustments such as these will continue to determine the future for both clubs and players. If every transfer window can be like this one—for clubs, fans, and your bookkeeper’s sanity—then we’re all for it.
Leave a Reply