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London City Lionesses Sign Alexia Putellas, Boost WSL Profile

7/9/2026

Summary

Putellas Joins City

London City Lionesses signed Spanish forward Alexia Putellas on a free transfer on July 8, 2026.
Putellas left Barcelona after a 14-year spell that yielded four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles.
Owner Michele Kang, an American billionaire, highlighted the club’s women-only independence in announcing the deal.
Putellas said the club’s ambition resonated with her.
London City, the only fully independent WSL side, expects her arrival to boost the league’s profile.

Summary

Zubizarreta Appointed Director

Markel Zubizarreta, former Barcelona sporting director, was appointed sporting director of Kynisca, which oversees Kang’s three women-only clubs.
Kang owns London City Lionesses, OL Lyonnes and Washington Spirit and aims for London City to reach UEFA Women’s Champions League.
ESPN reports London City are in talks to sign Barcelona defender Mapi León, reuniting her with Alexia Putellas, who chose the club to stay in Europe and avoid matches against Barcelona.

Summary

Putellas Signs Deal

Alexia Putellas signed a three-year deal worth over $1.85 million annually, making her the third-highest-paid women’s soccer player.
Because the WSL wage-cap permits spending up to 80 % of income plus £4 million on salaries, London City’s payroll for Putellas nears the limit.
While Putellas appears in a national crisp ad with David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Steve Carell, her London City matches will stream on Paramount+, widening the club’s reach.

History

Historical Context

In 2011 the FA launched the Women’s Super League with eight founding clubs, such as Arsenal and Manchester City, creating England’s first fully funded top-flight women’s league. The competition turned fully professional in 2018 and, after clubs formed the WPLL in 2023, expanded to 14 teams. Michele Kang’s London City Lionesses now echo that model by signing Alexia Putellas and appointing Barcelona director Markel Zubizarreta.

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Putellas Joins City

London City Lionesses signed Spanish forward Alexia Putellas on a free transfer on July 8, 2026.
Putellas left Barcelona after a 14-year spell that yielded four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles.
Owner Michele Kang, an American billionaire, highlighted the club’s women-only independence in announcing the deal.
Putellas said the club’s ambition resonated with her.
London City, the only fully independent WSL side, expects her arrival to boost the league’s profile.

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