London City Lionesses have officially announced the signing of Spanish superstar Alexia Putellas at an event in New York, bringing one of the greatest players in women's football history to the Women's Super League.
Free Transfer After Barcelona Exit
The two-time Ballon d'Or winner was available on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona at the end of the season, ending a 14-year stay during which she helped the club win four Champions League titles. The Guardian revealed in early June that the 2023 World Cup-winning Spain midfielder had agreed personal terms with London City, who are owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang and finished sixth in the WSL in their debut top-flight season.
Putellas Excited for New Challenge
Putellas said: I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with London City Lionesses. The club's ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me. I look forward to making an impact on the pitch as we challenge for titles. Off the pitch, building on my passion for youth development, I am equally excited to work with Michele in elevating women's football in England and on the global stage.
Big-Name Signings This Window
London City have already secured several high-profile signings this transfer window, including former England goalkeeper Mary Earps from Paris Saint-Germain, Denmark defender Janni Thomsen from Utah Royals, and Germany forward Nicole Anyomi from Eintracht Frankfurt. The club is also set to sign Spain defender Mapi León and has been linked with her Barcelona teammate Salma Paralluelo.
Putellas Among WSL Greats
The 32-year-old Putellas joins an elite group of players who have graced the WSL, including Sam Kerr, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd. Australia striker Kerr spent six years with Chelsea before returning to Gotham FC last month. Morgan, who scored 123 goals for the USA, had a brief stint with Tottenham in 2020, while Lloyd played on loan for Manchester City during the 2017 Spring Series. Current stars like Manchester City duo Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema also feature prominently, but Putellas's move is expected to capture unprecedented attention.
Kang's Vision for the Club
Putellas was unveiled by Michele Kang, who also owns Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes, and a stake in Lyon's men's team. Kang has openly expressed her ambition to win trophies with London City, who play their home matches in Bromley. Putellas is understood to have been partly motivated by the fact that London City are not a direct rival of Barcelona in the Champions League, ruling out moves to clubs like Arsenal or Chelsea. London City reportedly offered a far more lucrative contract than Barcelona.
Kang said: Alexia Putellas embodies the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and vision in women's football. Her decision to join our independent, women-first club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building at London City. This is more than a signing, it is a bold statement about the future of the sport. Together, we will compete at the highest levels while creating new commercial opportunities and development pathways for the next generation of female athletes.
Putellas's Stellar Career
A European Championship finalist with Spain in 2025, Putellas scored 234 goals in 513 appearances for Barcelona and helped the club win 10 league titles and 10 Spanish Cups. She is also a two-time FIFA Best Women's Player award winner.
