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London City Lionesses are making headlines once again – but can the arrival of stars like Alexia Putellas, Mary Earps and other high-profile names ensure sustained success for the club?

It’s now confirmed: Alexia Putellas has officially joined London City Lionesses. Under Michele Kang’s ownership, the club has attracted top-tier talent since her takeover during the 2023-24 season. From five-time European champion Saki Kumagai to Swedish icon Kosovare Asllani, and even paying a world-record fee for Grace Geyoro last summer, Kang’s vision is clear. However, the signing of Putellas is the most striking statement yet, signalling that London City’s ambitions must be taken seriously.

In May, Putellas played a key role for Barcelona as they defeated Lyon – another Michele Kang-owned club – in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final with a commanding 4-0 victory. That triumph completed a quadruple for the Catalan side, marking a perfect farewell after 14 remarkable years. It also strengthened her bid for a third Ballon d’Or, an award she is tipped to win when the ceremony takes place in London later this year.

Putellas is not arriving alone. Mapi Leon, her Barcelona and Spain teammate, is also joining to strengthen London City’s backline, while former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has already signed to reinforce a key position. German forward Nicole Anyomi, after scoring 13 goals and providing six assists in the Bundesliga last season, is another exciting addition. This transfer window looks set to be the biggest statement yet of London City’s growing ambition.

However, with all these new players – except Anyomi – in their 30s, the club appears to be shifting from its earlier youth-focused strategy. Previously, the emphasis was on recruiting younger players with potential, complemented by a few seasoned professionals. This new approach raises important questions: does it mark a strategic shift, and can it help London City emerge as a genuine contender for silverware in the Women’s Super League?

Focus on youth

In the previous summer window, London City made 16 permanent signings, only five of whom were aged 30 or older. Nine of those new recruits were 25 or younger, reflecting the club’s focus on developing emerging talents ahead of its debut WSL season.

That strategy paid off. Freya Godfrey, a 20-year-old former Arsenal academy player, became one of the standout performers and even earned a place in the England squad. Jana Fernandez, aged 24 and signed from Barcelona, impressed alongside fellow Spaniard Lucia Corrales, while 23-year-old Issy Goodwin led the attack effectively in her first full WSL campaign.

Veterans such as Asllani, Kumagai and Italy’s Elena Linari provided valuable experience around these younger players, but it was the youthful contingent that often stole the spotlight.

Valuable experience

This summer, London City seem to be focusing on adding more experienced names – but those who have performed at the highest level. Players like Danielle van de Donk and Nikita Parris arrived last year with extensive WSL experience and silverware-filled resumes, both having represented Lyon, the eight-time European champions. Linari, Sanni Franssi and Alanna Kennedy added further international experience from various leagues across the world. However, none of these players joined while still at their absolute peak.

World-class incomings

That’s now changed. Putellas and soon Leon represent a new calibre of signing – two players widely regarded among the best in the world. The signs of this shift were already apparent last year when London City secured Geyoro, then captain of Paris Saint-Germain, followed by the January arrival of France star Delphine Cascarino, who had been an NWSL MVP nominee in 2025. These moves hinted at the club’s growing ambition, but the addition of Putellas takes it to another level. There’s even a real chance that a London City player could lift the Ballon d’Or in 2026.

High-profile additions

Beyond the tactical implications, these signings have significant marketing value. London City remain the only independent women’s team in the WSL, competing for attention in a city that already hosts seven of the league’s 14 clubs, including powerhouses Arsenal and Chelsea. Putellas’ global profile is a game-changer. The club’s average home attendance last season was 3,176, a number that could rise substantially with a two-time – and possibly three-time – Ballon d’Or winner in the squad.

Mary Earps also brings immense star value. As one of the faces of England’s recent international success before retiring from national duty ahead of the 2025 European Championship, and having won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023, her signing will undoubtedly boost the club’s visibility on and off the field.

Going up another level

On the pitch, these new arrivals could prove transformative. Geyoro, despite being in her prime at 28, struggled to make an immediate impact last season. The arrival of Putellas should strengthen the midfield around her, helping her rediscover her best form. With her world-class creativity and leadership, Putellas could single-handedly change games for London City.

Leon’s inclusion will bolster a defence that managed just three clean sheets in 22 league games last season. Her composure and quality in possession will help the team dictate play more effectively. Meanwhile, Earps, though not at the same level as during her England peak in 2024 when she joined PSG, remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world and will aim to rediscover that form back in the WSL.

Goalkeeper Elene Lete endured a challenging debut season, recording the second-lowest save percentage among keepers with at least 750 minutes and conceding 6.8 goals more than expected. The club will hope Earps’ presence can both stabilise performances and help mentor Lete, who recently extended her contract at age 24.

Short-term impact or long-term success?

The key question remains: will these signings limit opportunities for the young core the club has worked hard to develop? Earps’ arrival could reduce Lete’s playing time, while Leon’s signing may restrict minutes for 20-year-old Isa Kardinaal and 21-year-old Teyah Goldie. In midfield, who partners Putellas and Geyoro – will it be 23-year-old Maria Perez or another senior player?

While stars like Putellas, Leon, Earps, Geyoro and Cascarino bring immense quality and leadership, London City must maintain the right balance between immediate impact and nurturing their young talents. The ultimate goal is to reach a point where those younger players can take the club forward after the current generation of marquee signings eventually move on.