London City Lionesses Sign Alexia Putelas in a Landmark Move
London City Lionesses have officially announced the signing of Alexia Putelas, one of the most celebrated athletes in women’s sports, during an event in New York. This transfer marks a significant addition to the Women’s Super League (WSL).
A Stellar Career Transition
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner became available as a free agent after completing a remarkable 14-year tenure with Barcelona, where she played a key role in securing four Champions League titles among numerous other accolades.
Personal Terms Resolved Ahead of WSL Debut
In early June, The Guardian reported that the 2023 World Cup-winning Spanish midfielder had reached an agreement on personal terms with London City, which wrapped up its inaugural season in the WSL with a sixth-place finish.
Putelas Enthusiastic About New Challenges
Expressing her excitement, Putelas stated her commitment to contributing to London City Lionesses both on and off the pitch. She highlighted her alignment with the club’s ambitions, particularly its focus on growing as an independent women’s organization. She expressed eagerness to work alongside Michele, emphasizing the importance of youth development in advancing women’s football in England and beyond.
Exciting Signings Enhance Team Depth
London City has already made significant roster improvements this summer, acquiring notable talents such as former England goalkeeper Mary Earps from Paris Saint-Germain, Danish defender Jani Thomsen from Utah Royals, and German forward Nicole Anyomi from Eintracht Frankfurt. Additionally, reports suggest that national team defender Mapi Leon has also signed with the club, alongside rumors of Barcelona teammate Salma Palaruello joining the ranks.
Joining the Ranks of Women’s Football Elite
Putelas, aged 32, joins an exclusive group of top-tier athletes in the WSL, including Sam Kerr, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd. Kerr previously spent six successful years at Chelsea before returning to Gotham FC last month. Morgan made a brief appearance in England as a Tottenham player in 2020, while Lloyd had a short loan spell at Manchester City during the spring series in 2017. Other legends, such as former England forward Kelly Smith, have also set high standards, but Putelas’ arrival is expected to garner unparalleled attention.
Club Ownership and Future Aspirations
Putelas was officially introduced on Wednesday by Michel Kang, the American businessman and owner of the club, as well as the Washington Spirit and OL Lyons. Kang has been vocal about his ambitions for London City, which plays its home games at Bromley, making it clear that he aims to secure trophies for the club. Notably, Putelas opted to join London City to avoid competing with Barcelona’s direct rivals, with offers from Arsenal and Chelsea not considered. The contract terms provided by London City were reportedly more attractive than those from her former club.
A Bold Statement for Women’s Football
Kang emphasized the significance of Putelas’ signing, stating that her arrival symbolizes the zenith of talent, commitment, and vision within women’s football. He remarked on the powerful implications of this deal for the future of the WSL and women’s sports more broadly, underscoring a commitment to compete at elite levels while expanding commercial opportunities and nurturing the next generation of female athletes.
As a Euro 2025 finalist with the Spanish national team, Putelas boasts an impressive record of 234 goals in 513 appearances for Barcelona, complementing her haul of ten league titles and ten Spanish Cups.
