London City Lioness have completed the landmark signing of free agent Alexia Putellas following her departure from Barcelona.
Putellas left the Catalan club in May after 14 trophy-filled years to take charge of the team she joined as a teenager to unprecedented success domestically and in Europe.
The World Cup champion and two-time Ballon d’Or winner is widely considered one of the best female players in football. She is considered the favorite to add a third Ballon d’Or to her collection at this year’s ceremony in October.
Putellas recently led Barcelona to another Champions League victory.
Speaking about the move, Putellas said: “I’m thrilled to be starting a new chapter with London City Lionesses.
“The club’s ambitions and its strong commitment to developing as an independent women’s club resonate deeply with me.
“I’m looking forward to making an impact on the pitch as we compete for titles. On the pitch, building on my passion for youth development, I am equally excited to work with Michelle (Kang) to develop women’s football in England and on the world stage.”
Michelle Kang, owner of London City, said: “Alexia Putellas represents the pinnacle of talent, commitment and vision in women’s football.
“Her decision to join our independent, women-focused club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building in London City.”
Putellas is a leading manufacturer of women’s beauty products in Spain.
The capture of Putellas marks another major step in the development of fast-growing London City, having also acquired former England goalkeeper Mary Earps earlier this summer.
Putellas, now 32, joins a host of big names already on the books for the Kang-led venture, including French sensation Grace Geyoro and Swedish stalwart Kosovare Aslani.
London City have only spent one season in the WSL to date, finishing sixth under Spanish coach Eder Maestre in the 2025/26 season. Putellas’ arrival is expected to fuel the rapid growth of top-flight newcomers, as well as significantly elevate the WSL’s profile.
“Project Galacticos, based in Bromley”
Putellas in Spain is known as “La Reina”, which translates to the queen.
Analysis by Anton Toloui from Sky Sports News:
London City are taking the matter seriously, bringing one of the biggest names in the history of the game to the Lionesses squad. Putellas led Barcelona into the Champions League for the fourth time this year and was named player of the season.
She has returned to the peak of her powers to restore Barcelona’s position as Europe’s strongest club, her form particularly important following the injury of teammate Aitana Bonmati.
Putellas is also one of the most recognizable and marketable faces in the game. In her latest ad for the popular chip brand – you know, she stars alongside David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Steve Carrell.
The fact that the Lionesses are offering her more money than the current European champions shows that the club are not joking. Eder Maestre confirmed to me as recently as May that the club’s ambitions extend to “Champions League dreams”.
This is not just a flight of fancy; they are financed from the treasury of Michel Kang. It’s similar to the Galacticos project, based in humble Bromley.
Putellas is the joy of football that knows no bounds
Putellas celebrated her 500th appearance for Barcelona before leaving the club in May.
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
I had the honor of watching Alexia Putellas play for Barcelona in the El Clasico at Camp Nou back in April. You will notice the tone of the piece. He is showered with praise.
Without a doubt, Putellas remains a true work of art and a pleasure to watch. It’s hard to describe her control and influence over games without witnessing it firsthand. Even at 32 years old, she is, as they say on the streets, a real ballerina. And I expect her to bring that unique authenticity to the WSL while she’s here.
The English top flight is undoubtedly more demanding than the Spanish domestic league, and also more intense. But she has the skill and scent to adapt quickly. If this is a sign of what’s to come for London City, then their opponents should be under no illusions about their intentions.
Skeptics may rightly question the scale of investment and argue about the financial disparity between the City of London and their direct competitors. But how will the game reach new heights without ambitious investors?
Earps is excited about the opportunity to play alongside the “fantastic” Putellas
Goalkeeper Earps will be Putellas’ new partner next season and has given the playmaker hope of winning a third Ballon d’Or after another stunning year for Barcelona and Spain.
She said Sky Sports News: “It’s exciting to play alongside so many great players and signing Alexia is huge for the club. It shows their intentions and she is a fantastic player. I think she will compete well for the Ballon d’Or this year.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside some incredible players over the years, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m sure she will challenge me in training.”
“I can’t wait and hope we can work well together. “London City are building a fantastic team so it’s exciting to be part of it.”