London City Lionesses have secured one of the most significant signings in Women’s Super League history after confirming the arrival of Alexia Putellas on a free transfer from Barcelona. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner ended a 14-year association with the Catalan club to join the ambitious WSL side, who unveiled the Spain midfielder at an event in New York on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old departs Barcelona as one of the club’s most decorated players. During her time there, she scored 234 goals in 513 appearances and helped secure four Champions League trophies alongside 10 league titles and 10 Spanish Cups. Her individual accolades include two Ballon d’Or awards and two FIFA Best women’s player honours, cementing her status among the sport’s all-time greats.
A Strategic Move
Putellas rejected approaches from several elite European clubs to join London City, who finished sixth in their debut WSL campaign last season. The club, owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang, operates as a women-only independent entity—a factor Putellas highlighted as central to her decision.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with London City Lionesses,” Putellas said. “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.”
The midfielder also indicated she was motivated by the opportunity to avoid facing Barcelona as a direct opponent in European competition, which eliminated the possibility of joining domestic rivals such as Arsenal or Chelsea. Reports suggest London City offered a substantially more lucrative financial package than her previous club.
Part of a Broader Vision
Putellas arrives as part of an ambitious recruitment drive that has already seen England goalkeeper Mary Earps join from Paris Saint-Germain, Denmark defender Janni Thomsen arrive from Utah Royals, and Germany forward Nicole Anyomi sign from Eintracht Frankfurt. The club are also understood to be close to securing Barcelona defender Mapi León.
Kang, who also owns Washington Spirit and OL Lyonnes, has made clear her intention to establish London City as a major force. She described Putellas’s arrival as “more than a signing,” calling it “a bold statement about the future of the sport.”
“Alexia Putellas embodies the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and vision in women’s football,” Kang said. “Her decision to join our independent, women-first club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building at London City. 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 move represents a watershed moment for the WSL, which has previously attracted stars including Sam Kerr, Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd, though rarely from the absolute peak of the European game while still in their prime. London City will hope the Spanish international’s presence accelerates their progression from mid-table newcomers to genuine trophy contenders.