In a landmark move for women's football, London City Lionesses have secured the signing of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas on a three-year contract. The Spain midfielder, who is celebrated as one of the sport's finest talents, departed Barcelona after a remarkable 14-year tenure, during which she amassed an impressive 38 trophies, including 10 league titles.

Putellas' Ambitious Move

Putellas, 32, was signed on a free transfer and is reported to have a base salary of under £1 million per year, with potential bonuses that could increase her earnings. Her unveiling took place in New York City, alongside Michele Kang, the club's US billionaire owner. In her statement to BBC Sport, Putellas expressed her desire for new challenges, stating, "Everything has a beginning and an end. The history [at Barcelona] was perfect. After 14 years, I felt it was the perfect moment to leave." She emphasized the importance of pushing herself in a new league, highlighting the unique ownership structure of London City, which features a female owner without a men's club backing.

A Transformational Signing

Putellas' arrival is seen as a significant achievement for London City, who finished sixth in their inaugural Women's Super League campaign. Kang remarked on the transformative potential of this signing, stating, "It will take the club to the next level. I think it can help take the WSL to the next level." She believes that the presence of elite players like Putellas will enhance the competitiveness of the league, which is crucial for the growth of women's sport.

During her illustrious career at Barcelona, Putellas scored a club record 232 goals in 507 appearances and is second on the club's all-time appearance list. She recently celebrated a World Cup victory with Spain in 2023 and was part of the squad that faced England in the Euro 2025 final. After overcoming an ACL injury that sidelined her from Euro 2022, Putellas returned to form, showcasing the talent that earned her consecutive Ballon d'Or awards.