Alexia Putellas is on her way to the Women's Super League. Multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN that the two-time Ballon d'Or winner has reached an agreement with London City Lionesses, bringing to a close one of the most decorated club careers in the history of women's football.

The 32-year-old departed Barcelona after 14 seasons and a second quadruple, leaving as the all-time top scorer in the club's women's history with 232 goals — second only to Lionel Messi across both the men's and women's sides. Her final campaign at the Camp Nou produced 21 goals and 13 assists across 42 appearances in all competitions.

Why London City?

Putellas had no shortage of suitors. NWSL clubs were among those tabling offers, but the noises out of her camp pointed consistently towards London. Sources indicate her reasoning centred on a desire to remain in Europe and stay geographically close to home, while also avoiding the prospect of facing her former club on a weekly basis in Liga F.

London City were always the front runners, and a deal has now been agreed. The club's owner Michele Kang — who also controls OL Lyonnes in France and the Washington Spirit in the United States — has made no secret of her ambitions for the project, with plans for a state-of-the-art training facility and a clear ambition to compete in the Champions League. That long-term vision is said to have appealed to Putellas as much as anything else.

The Bigger Picture

Sources close to the player say her goals extend beyond club football. With the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, Putellas is seeking an environment that pushes her beyond her comfort zone while keeping her operating at the highest level. London City, a club very much in its growth phase after finishing sixth in their debut WSL campaign, offers exactly that kind of fresh challenge.

She will not be arriving alone. Sources have also told ESPN that former Barcelona teammate Mapi León, a central defender, is set to join her at London City — a significant double coup for Kang's project.

A Formidable CV

The scale of what Putellas brings to the WSL is difficult to overstate. She won the Ballon d'Or in both 2021 and 2022 and was named The Best FIFA Women's Player in each of those years. She is also a World Cup winner, having lifted the trophy with Spain in 2023. Barcelona, meanwhile, remain four-time Champions League winners and are expected to stay competitive in that competition — meaning a reunion between Putellas and her former club is far from out of the question.

For London City, this is a statement of intent. For Putellas, it is the start of something entirely new.

Frequently asked

Why has Alexia Putellas left Barcelona?
Putellas chose to leave Barcelona after 14 years following a second quadruple-winning season. Sources indicate she wanted a new challenge, with an eye on preparing for the 2027 Women's World Cup and 2028 Olympics in a fresh environment.
What WSL team has Alexia Putellas signed for?
Putellas has agreed a deal with London City Lionesses, the WSL club owned by Michele Kang, who also owns OL Lyonnes and the Washington Spirit.
Who else is London City Lionesses signing from Barcelona?
Sources have confirmed that defender Mapi León, a former Barcelona teammate of Putellas, is also set to sign for London City Lionesses.