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Two-time Ballon d'Or Féminin recipient Alexia Putellas appears poised to make a high-profile move to London City Lionesses in what would be a landmark signing for the Women's Super League outfit.
Putellas, widely considered among the greatest female footballers ever to play the game, is expected to link up with Michele Kang's independently operated club, having reportedly declined an approach from Boston Legacy in the NWSL.
At the conclusion of the 2025–26 campaign, the 32-year-old bid farewell to Barcelona after a 14-year stint, bringing a "perfect story" to a close with a fourth Champions League crown, secured via a commanding 4–0 victory over Lyon in the final.
Several sources, including the BBC, suggest that London City Lionesses are now on the verge of confirming a deal, having seen off competition from numerous interested parties for one of the most sought-after free transfers in the history of women's football.
How Did London City Win the Race for Putellas?
The move is the latest demonstration of Kang and the South London club's ambition in the transfer market, with Putellas's Barcelona teammate Mapi León also reportedly heading to the club. London City already possess a sizeable Spanish contingent, with Jana Fernández, María Pérez, Paula Partido and Elene Lete all featuring in last season's squad.
The BBC reports that the club's interest in Putellas dates back to January, and they have put forward "substantial wages" to entice the star to England.
Catalan publication ARA, meanwhile, reports that Putellas committed to not joining a direct competitor upon departing Barça—effectively ruling out moves to established European heavyweights such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and OL Lyonnais.
That report further notes that London City's status as a "new club" played a significant role in shaping Putellas's decision, with the midfielder eager to be part of an independent women's club capable of competing and sustaining itself financially without reliance on a men's team.
Alongside her four Champions League triumphs at Barcelona, Putellas claimed ten league titles and ten Copas de la Reina. She also lifted the Women's World Cup trophy in 2023.
Who Are London City Lionesses?
The acquisition of Putellas would stand as London City's most headline-grabbing move to date, as the club rapidly establishes itself as a transformative force in English women's football.
Based in Bromley, the club has only existed since 2019 following its separation from Millwall Lionesses, with Kang assuming ownership in 2023. The 67-year-old businesswoman is a prominent figure in women's football and also oversees OL Lyonnais and Washington Spirit.
SI answers is our AI answer engine trained on human-created content.
In 2025, London City Lionesses became the first fully independent club to earn promotion to the Women's Super League, going on to finish their inaugural top-flight season in sixth place out of 12 teams.
The stated goal for Kang and the Lionesses is to secure Champions League qualification, with the recruitment of marquee players representing the next phase of that vision.