Alexia Putellas, the 32-year-old Spain midfielder and two-time Ballon d'Or winner, signed a three-year contract with London City Lionesses on July 8, 2026, after her contract with Barcelona expired in May 2023 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Putellas left Barcelona after 14 years, where she won 38 trophies including four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and 10 league titles [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]. She joined London City Lionesses on a free transfer and was unveiled at an event in New York City hosted by club owner Michele Kang, an American billionaire who also owns OL Lyonnes and Washington Spirit [1, 3, 4].
London City Lionesses were promoted to the Women’s Super League in 2025 and finished sixth in their first top-flight season [1, 2, 7, 5, 6]. The club is notable as the only independent women-only club in England's top flight, not affiliated with a men's team [2, 7, 5]. Alongside Putellas, the club signed other notable players such as Mary Earps, Janni Thomsen, and Nicole Anyomi in the same summer transfer window [4].
Putellas is reportedly the highest-paid player at London City Lionesses, earning over $1.85 million annually, making her the third-highest-paid player in women's soccer globally [6]. This marks a significant increase from her previous reported salary of $860,000 at Barcelona [6].
After recovering from an ACL tear sustained before Euro 2022, Putellas led Spain to victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and a runner-up finish in Euro 2025 [1, 3]. She chose London City Lionesses over other offers from clubs in the US, Mexico, and England, including Boston Legacy [1, 3]. She said, "I always want to win everything, so I know I'm moving to the most competitive league. That's what makes me happy. I will have to compete every week, every game... my goal is always to win everything, the games, even the trainings."
Putellas also expressed excitement about working with Kang beyond football: "I look forward to making an impact on the pitch as we challenge for titles. Off the pitch, building on my passion for youth development, I am equally excited to work with Michele in elevating women's football in England and on the global stage" [1]. Kang called Putellas "the pinnacle of talent, dedication and vision in women's football" and described her signing as "a bold statement about the future of the sport" [1].
Michele Kang acquired London City Lionesses in December 2023 and has since invested in player signings and club development [3]. Putellas' arrival marks a major coup in the club's ambition to challenge in England’s top division and beyond. The 2026-27 season will be her debut with the London City Lionesses.
