England defender Lucy Bronze believes the Women’s Super League continues to grow in stature, giving it the power to attract the continent’s top players.
Bronze’s comments come as several high-profile Spanish players have been linked with moves to the WSL ahead of the summer transfer window.
BBC Sport reported that Mapi Leon, who left Barcelona last month after nine years at the club, has a verbal agreement in place to join London City Lionesses.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is also departing Barcelona after 14 years, with London City Lionesses understood to be in pursuit of her signature.
Those potential arrivals would follow previous moves by Mariona Caldentey to Arsenal and Lucia Corrales and Jana Fernandez to London City Lionesses in recent seasons.
“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.”
Bronze also highlighted the competitive nature of the league as a key driver in bringing elite talent to English football’s top flight.
“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,” she added.
England face Spain in a Women’s World Cup qualifying match in Mallorca on Friday at 20:00 BST, needing at least a draw to secure their place in next year’s tournament.
Sarina Wiegman’s side have won all four of their qualifying matches so far and hold a three-point lead over Spain at the top of the table.
England will then conclude their qualifying campaign against Ukraine at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday at 20:00 BST.
Bronze was also keen to reflect on the rivalry between the two nations, which she believes has brought out the best in both sides over recent years.
“Spain, for us, is an amazing opponent. They bring out the best in us,” she said, adding that the rivalry has been mutually beneficial for both teams.
“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.”
Bronze concluded by describing the contest between the two nations as one that both squads genuinely relish, calling it “a really good, fun rivalry that both teams absolutely love.”
