Lia Walti could be set for a return to the Women’s Super League less than a year after leaving Arsenal for Juventus. The Switzerland international departed the Gunners on September 4, 2025, in a move that supporters had long expected, 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, Walti has now been linked with a potential return to England’s top flight, which is absolutely surprising given how recently she departed.

Made 12 Appearances for Juventus

Since joining Juventus, Walti has made 12 appearances in all competitions with nine starts. She has accumulated 717 minutes, contributed two assists, and earned Team of the Week recognition on two occasions, which demonstrates she remains an influential midfielder.

While her performances in Italy have been solid, speculation around her future suggests a possible early return to familiar surroundings. The 32 year old won the WSL title, lifted the Continental Cup twice, and played a crucial role in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph in her final season.

London City Could Emerge as Destination

A player of Walti’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, which would be a smart move from Michele Kang.

However, given Walti’s pedigree, she would strengthen virtually any midfield in the league. The Swiss captain has earned over 130 international caps and led her country at three major tournaments, including Euro 2025 on home soil.

A return to the WSL would bring experience and leadership back to one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, which is frankly what the division thrives on.

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Joe Montemurro showed a flexibility to his approach in the Women’s Asian Cup quarter finals that meant the Matildas prevailed by adapting to the circumstances in front of them, even if it was contradictory to the style that is in his DNA. Australia edged North Korea 2-1 in Perth to make the semi finals in what was a resilient performance against the tournament’s best team.

“Let’s be frank and honest here. Winning football games like that, it usually happens in tournaments,” Montemurro said after the victory. The Italian boss then turned to his captain, Sam Kerr, in the press conference and referenced one of his key wins in European football with Juventus against her Chelsea side.

Had 450 Million Shots and We Had One

“I’ve done it a few times like that in Champions League. I think there was a game against Chelsea, we got a draw. They had 450 million shots, and we had one,” Montemurro said with a smile. This Champions League reference perfectly illustrated the type of performance Australia needed to overcome North Korea.

He added, “We knew that they were a great side. They’re the best team in the tournament. They really are. So we just had to be methodical. Where we won the game were the little bits in between, as we were losing the ball or as we were winning the ball to keep our shape and keep our organisation. We didn’t create much. We had to resist a lot.”

It’s Who I Am But Part of Remit to Win

Montemurro was absolutely honest about abandoning his preferred style for tournament pragmatism. “Do I want to play a possession based game? Do I want to keep the ball? It’s who I am. It’s my DNA, but part of my remit is to win football matches,” he explained.

He continued, “Sometimes you have to have that flexibility. At this level, it’s all about moments. It’s all about taking those moments.”

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Juventus Femminile hosts Wolfsburg Women at the Allianz Stadium on Monday evening in the Women’s Champions League knockout phase playoff second leg. The tie is finely poised at 2-2 after a dramatic first leg in Germany, with the winners progressing to face Lyon in the quarter finals.

Massimiliano Canzi’s side were cruising towards a stunning upset victory in Wolfsburg before it all fell apart in the final 10 minutes. Juventus led 2-0 thanks to goals from Ana Capeta and Amalie Vangsgaard but conceded a late penalty before Sarai Linder fired home a spectacular equalizer deep into stoppage time. The Italian champions will be absolutely gutted to have thrown away such a commanding advantage.

Kick-off: 18:45 CET, February 19, 2026
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
TV: DAZN

Juve Must Overcome Heartbreaking Collapse

This is a massive opportunity for Juventus to reach the Champions League quarter finals for the first time in years. They were so close to taking a two goal cushion back to Turin, but now face a nail biting second leg with everything to play for. Canzi’s counterattacking game plan worked brilliantly for 80 minutes in Germany, and they will likely adopt similar tactics at home.

The big concern is midfielder Lia Wälti, who was forced off with an injury in the first leg. Her status remains uncertain, and losing her would be a huge blow given how crucial she has been in European matches this season. Paulina Krumbiegel is pushing for a start after impressing off the bench.

Wolfsburg Riding Wave of Momentum

Stephan Lerch’s side snatched victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to Linder’s heroics. The dramatic comeback has given Wolfsburg huge momentum heading into this second leg, though they know they were extremely fortunate to escape Germany with a draw after such a poor performance for most of the match.

Lineth Beerensteyn admitted afterwards that Wolfsburg did not create many big chances and were frankly lucky to get the result. They will need to be significantly better in Turin if they want to progress.

Predicted Lineups

Juventus (4-2-3-1): Peyraud-Magnin; Calligaris, Harviken, Kullberg, Carbonell; Caruso, Schatzer; Bonansea, Krumbiegel, Pinto; Vangsgaard

Wolfsburg (4-2-3-1): Schult; Linder, Kleinherne, Wedemeyer, Pujols; Minge, Peddemors; Huth, Popp, Bussy; Beerensteyn

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