The London City Lionesses have officially announced the signing of Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, enhancing their squad in the Women's Super League (WSL). The transfer was confirmed during an event in New York, marking a significant moment for the club and women's football.
Putellas joins the Lionesses on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona, where she enjoyed a celebrated 14-year career, securing four Champions League titles and numerous domestic trophies. Her move to London City is viewed as a statement signing, reflecting the club's ambitions to compete at the highest levels of women's football.
Putellas's Impact on Women's Football
At 32 years old, Putellas is one of the most decorated players to enter the WSL, joining the ranks of stars like Sam Kerr and Alex Morgan. Her experience and talent are expected to significantly elevate the Lionesses' profile in the league.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with London City Lionesses,” Putellas stated. “The club’s ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me.” Her focus on youth development also aligns with the club's goals.
Transfer Window Activity
London City Lionesses have made several key signings this transfer window, including:
- Mary Earps - former England goalkeeper from Paris Saint-Germain
- Janni Thomsen - Denmark defender from Utah Royals
- Nicole Anyomi - Germany forward from Eintracht Frankfurt
Additionally, the club is rumored to be pursuing Mapi León and has expressed interest in her Barcelona teammate Salma Paralluelo. These strategic signings highlight the Lionesses' determination to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Ownership and Future Aspirations
The Lionesses are owned by Michele Kang, who has made her ambitions clear regarding the club's future. Kang, who also owns Washington Spirit and has a stake in OL Lyonnes, emphasized the significance of Putellas's signing: “This is more than a signing; it is a bold statement about the future of the sport.”
Putellas's decision to join London City over other top clubs was influenced by her desire to avoid direct competition with Barcelona and to contribute to a women-first initiative. She scored an impressive 234 goals in 513 games for Barcelona, further showcasing her elite talent.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
