Putellas joins London City Lionesses on free transfer
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- Alexia Putellas decided to join London City Lionesses on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona in May following 14 years at the Spanish club, spearheading them to unprecedented success.
- Boston Legacy pushed hard to sign the Spain international from the NWSL, but Putellas chose London City after spending weeks exploring her options in the American league.
- Putellas is a two-time Ballon d'Or winner (2021, 2022) and is tipped to win a third this year; she lifted her 10th Primera Division title and fourth Champions League trophy this season, with Barcelona beating Lyon in last month's final.
- London City Lionesses offered Putellas more money than European champions Barcelona and have already signed former England goalkeeper Mary Earps this summer, while Freya Godfrey penned a three-year contract extension on Thursday.
- London City head coach Eder Maestre said the club is "dreaming of the Champions League" next season, a project bankrolled by owner Michelle Kang; the club also tested the waters on Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw before she recommitted to Manchester City.
- Putellas was part of Spain's 2023 World Cup-winning squad and featured as runners-up to England at Euro 2025; London City are also pursuing her Barcelona teammate Mapi Leon.
Why it matters: London City are paying Putellas more than European champions Barcelona, demonstrating owner Michelle Kang's financial commitment to the club's Champions League ambitions. Coach Eder Maestre called that goal a dream; with Mary Earps already signed and Mapi Leon targeted, the squad-building is real, and the WSL now holds the reigning Ballon d'Or favourite.
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