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Goalkeeper Mary Earps Joins London City Lionesses on Free Transfer

6/20/2026

Summary

Earps Signs

Mary Earps signed a two-year contract with London City Lionesses, joining on July 1 after her Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) deal expired.
The club secured her on a free transfer from PSG.
Earps said the club’s values match hers and praised owner Michele Kang’s new training facility investment.
London City Lionesses, sixth in their debut WSL season, are negotiating for Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas this summer.

Summary

Earps Faces Scrutiny

Ellen Earps said she is unsure she can handle scrutiny after joining City Lionesses, recalling abuse after winning 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
Ellen Earps' November autobiography sparked controversy with remarks about Hannah Hampton and Sarina Wiegman while she praised owner Michele Kang for transforming club since December 2023 takeover.
She said she is experienced and eager to enjoy the project while working hard on the pitch.

History

Historical Context

In 2011 the Football Association inaugurated England’s Women’s Super League, a professional competition that immediately raised the sport’s profile. The FA allocated £5 million to the twelve founding clubs, enabling Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women to secure multi-year sponsorships and stadium upgrades. Today, London City Lionesses echo that model as owner Michele Kang invests heavily, signing England goalkeeper Mary Earps on a two-year free transfer from PSG. The precedent suggests intensified club investments will attract top talent, potentially reshaping the league’s competitive balance and prompting stricter governance of player welfare.

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Earps Signs

Mary Earps signed a two-year contract with London City Lionesses, joining on July 1 after her Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) deal expired.
The club secured her on a free transfer from PSG.
Earps said the club’s values match hers and praised owner Michele Kang’s new training facility investment.
London City Lionesses, sixth in their debut WSL season, are negotiating for Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas this summer.

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