​For what feels like the first time in her illustrious career, Alexia Putellas is stepping into the unknown as she makes a blockbuster move to the Women’s Super League. After fourteen years at FC Barcelona Femení, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner has chosen London City Lionesses as her next destination. The club has confirmed her arrival and the dawn of a groundbreaking era in the WSL.
The decision to move to England was not rushed. When Putellas announced her departure from Barcelona, she admitted she had not yet decided where she would play next. Offers came from several clubs, and there was even serious interest from the United States. Leaving a club she had called home for more than a decade was never going to be an easy choice. She allowed herself time to process the end of an era and to weigh her options.
London appealed to Putellas for several reasons. The WSL presents a fresh challenge and a level of weekly competition that many regard as unmatched in the women’s game. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the Spanish icon wanted to keep competing at the highest level while testing herself in a completely different environment.
Another important factor was proximity to home. Family has always played a central role in her life and career, and staying in Europe made the decision more manageable. England offers the chance to experience a new culture and a new league without placing an ocean between her and the supporters who have stood by her throughout her journey.
The project itself is also hard to ignore. London City Lionesses, owned by Michele Kang, have emerged as one of the fastest-growing clubs in women’s football. Unlike many teams across Europe, London City exists solely to advance women’s football—no men’s side, no shared structure. Every investment and long-term plan is dedicated to the women’s game, a vision that clearly resonated with Putellas.
After conquering every trophy available at Barcelona, she was seeking something different: a fresh challenge, a place where she could continue to pursue success while helping shape a project still on the rise. She will not be arriving alone. The move reunites Putellas with several familiar faces from the Spanish side. Former Barcelona teammate Jana Fernández is already part of the London City squad, and fellow Spaniard Lucía Corrales has also joined the club’s ambitious project. Spanish reports suggest Mapi León may soon join, signaling the likelihood of a strong Spanish core in the dressing room.
The club has also been drawing attention for other reasons this summer. England goalkeeper Mary Earps recently joined after the end of her spell at Paris Saint-Germain, and rising winger Freya, among others, has been linked with the project. This summer has seen London City Lionesses become synonymous with bold, high-profile moves that underline their intent to redefine women’s football in England and beyond.