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 an end a remarkable 14-year association with Barcelona — and making her one of the most decorated players ever to grace the English top flight.

Why London City?

Putellas had no shortage of suitors after announcing her departure from the Catalan giants. Options from the NWSL were reportedly on the table, but the noises out of the Putellas camp pointed consistently towards London City, who were described by sources as front runners throughout the process. A deal has now been agreed.

The reasoning behind the choice is telling. Sources indicate Putellas was keen to remain in Europe and stay closer to home, while also avoiding the prospect of regularly lining up against Barcelona — the club she served so brilliantly — in league competition. That said, given Barcelona's status as four-time Champions League winners and consistent Liga F champions, a European meeting between the two sides cannot be ruled out.

Kang's Ambitious Project

London City are very much a club in the making, having finished sixth in their debut WSL season — short of the top-three finish needed for European qualification. But it is precisely that sense of a project in its early stages that appeals to Putellas, sources at the club have indicated.

Owner Michele Kang, who also controls OL Lyonnes in France and Washington Spirit in the NWSL, has made no secret of her ambitions. Plans for a state-of-the-art training facility are in the pipeline, and Kang is determined to see her London side competing in the Champions League. Putellas, it seems, wants to be part of building something rather than simply arriving at a finished article.

Sources also confirm that London City are closing in on a second former Barcelona player, with defender Mapi León set to join her compatriot at the club. The arrivals of two figures so central to Barcelona's recent dominance would represent a significant statement of intent from a side still finding their feet in English football.

Eyes on 2027 and 2028

There is a personal motivation driving the move too. According to sources, Putellas' primary goal is to position herself in the best possible environment ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. At 32, she is determined to push herself out of her comfort zone and ensure she arrives at both tournaments in peak condition.

It would be difficult to argue with her credentials. The midfielder ended last season at Barcelona with 21 goals and 13 assists across 42 appearances in all competitions, helping the club to a second successive quadruple. She leaves as the club's all-time leading scorer in the women's team, with 232 goals — second only to Lionel Messi across both the men's and women's sides. Her Ballon d'Or wins in 2021 and 2022 were accompanied by the FIFA Best Women's Player award in both years, and she added a World Cup winners' medal with Spain in 2023.

For the WSL, this is a landmark signing. The market will already be adjusting expectations for London City's upcoming campaign, and rightly so.

Frequently asked

Why has Alexia Putellas left Barcelona?
Putellas decided to end her 14-year spell at Barcelona after winning a second quadruple with the club last season. She is reported to have wanted a new challenge and to position herself optimally ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
What league do London City Lionesses play in?
London City Lionesses compete in the Women's Super League (WSL), the top tier of women's football in England. They finished their debut WSL season in sixth place.
Who owns London City Lionesses?
London City Lionesses are owned by Michele Kang, who also owns OL Lyonnes in France and Washington Spirit in the NWSL. She has ambitious plans for the club, including a new training facility and Champions League qualification.