London City Lionesses have officially announced the signing of Alexia Putellas during a launch event in New York, confirming that one of the greatest players in women’s football history will join the Women's Super League.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner arrives on a free transfer after leaving FC Barcelona Femení at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year spell in which she helped the club win four UEFA Women's Champions League titles.
The Guardian reported 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 during their first season in the top flight.
Putellas said she was excited to begin a new chapter with London City Lionesses, praising the club’s ambition and commitment to developing as an independent women-only club. She added that she looks forward to competing for trophies and working with Kang to help advance women’s football in England and around the world.
London City have already strengthened significantly this summer, signing former England goalkeeper Mary Earps from Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, Denmark defender Janni Thomsen from Utah Royals, and Germany forward Nicole Anyomi from Eintracht Frankfurt Women. The club is also expected to sign Spain defender Mapi León and has been linked with Barcelona forward Salma Paralluelo.
At 32, Putellas joins an elite group of global stars to have played in the WSL, alongside players such as Sam Kerr, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd.
The league has previously featured legends including Kelly Smith, while current standout names include Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema. However, Putellas’s arrival is expected to attract unprecedented attention.
She was unveiled by Kang, who also owns Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes, and holds a stake in Olympique Lyonnais. Kang has repeatedly stated her ambition to build a title-winning side at London City, whose home matches are played in Bromley.
Putellas, also a two-time winner of the FIFA Best Women’s Player award, is understood to have been attracted by the opportunity to join a club that is not a direct rival of Barcelona. That consideration reportedly ruled out moves to Champions League competitors such as Arsenal and Chelsea. London City are also believed to have offered her a significantly more lucrative contract than Barcelona.
