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Alexia Putellas set for WSL move: Two-time Ballon d'Or winner agrees personal terms with London City Lionesses following Barcelona exit
Arjun Pillai | June 9, 2026 1:52 AM CST

Alexia Putellas is on the verge of joining the Women’s Super League (WSL) after reportedly agreeing personal terms with London City Lionesses. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner, who concluded a glorious 14-year spell at Barcelona with a historic quadruple, appears close to finalising her next career move in England.

Putellas has been heavily linked with a transfer to London City in recent months, with speculation surrounding her future continuing long before her Barcelona exit was confirmed. The midfielder, whose contract expired this summer, decided against renewing her deal with the Catalan giants, seeking a fresh challenge after more than a decade of success with the Blaugrana.

Reports suggest that Putellas was keen to join a team that would not directly compete with Barcelona, rejecting offers from major English clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United. According to Mundo Deportivo, she also turned down interest from clubs in Central America and Saudi Arabia.

Although a switch to the NWSL had been considered, London City Lionesses have long been seen as the favourites to sign her. The Guardian now reports that the Spanish international has agreed personal terms with the English side, bringing her closer to completing the move.

However, some reports, including one from Sport, claim that a final decision on her future has yet to be made. It is understood that Putellas is still evaluating her options and has not given any club a definitive answer. If the deal with London City does materialise, it would represent a major coup for the WSL newcomers.

Owned by billionaire Michele Kang—who also owns Washington Spirit and Lyon, the team Barcelona defeated in the recent Champions League final—London City Lionesses completed their debut WSL season this year, finishing sixth. Bringing in Putellas, who remains at a level capable of earning her a third Ballon d'Or later this year, would immediately raise the club’s profile and performance.

This could also positively impact the club’s record signing from last summer, Grace Geyoro. The French international, who joined for a world-record fee ahead of London City’s first WSL campaign, has yet to fully meet expectations. Partnering with a player of Putellas’ calibre in midfield could help unlock Geyoro’s potential and stabilise the team’s core.

From an international perspective, the move could also benefit Spain’s preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. While a transfer to London City might mean fewer trophies compared to her Barcelona days, it could allow Putellas to better manage her workload. Despite potentially playing fewer minutes due to the absence of European competition, competing in one of the world’s top leagues will keep her sharp and well-prepared for international duty.

Putellas was part of Spain’s 2023 World Cup-winning team, which defeated England 1-0 in the final. However, she made only three starts across seven matches as she continued recovering from an ACL injury. The midfielder will look to reclaim her starring role next summer, with Spain again among the favourites after thrashing England 4-0 in qualifying last week. Putellas scored twice in that emphatic victory, helping Spain move closer to automatic qualification for the tournament in Brazil, while leaving England to battle through the play-offs.

Putellas’ potential arrival would not be the only major signing for London City this summer. Her former Barcelona teammate Mapi Leon, a world-class centre-back, has also departed the Catalan side and is expected to join the English club. Leon’s experience and defensive stability would be invaluable for the team, particularly for the younger players.

Additionally, former England goalkeeper Mary Earps is reportedly set to join the newly promoted WSL team. With her contract at Paris Saint-Germain expiring this summer, Earps is poised to return to England to take charge between the posts, bringing consistency after a mixed campaign from Elene Lete. The 24-year-old Spanish goalkeeper recently renewed her contract in London and could benefit greatly from working alongside a veteran like Earps.


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