London City Lionesses are on the verge of completing two of the most eye-catching signings in WSL history, with goalkeeper Mary Earps and Barcelona defender Mapi León both understood to have agreed terms ahead of moves to the independent club when their current contracts expire at the end of June.

Earps heads home after PSG stint

Earps, 33, has spent two seasons in Paris with PSG and has long been eager to return to the Women's Super League. London City are understood to have identified the former England international as a priority target months ago, and the noises out of both parties suggest this one is close to a done deal.

The goalkeeper carries serious WSL pedigree. During the 2022-23 season with Manchester United she claimed the division's Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets, and she was part of the United side that lifted the Women's FA Cup in 2024. Before Old Trafford, Earps had spells at Reading, Bristol City, Birmingham City and Doncaster Rovers Belles — a CV that covers virtually the entire modern history of the women's game in England.

Her appeal to London City stretches beyond what she can do between the posts. The club, owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang, are building a project that is as much about growing a fanbase as it is about winning silverware. Earps, one of the most recognisable figures in the women's game, fits that profile precisely.

Four-time Champions League winner León adds European class

Alongside Earps comes a signing that underlines just how serious London City's ambitions have become. Mapi León, who turns 31 this month, arrives having spent nine seasons at Barcelona and having won the Champions League four times with the Catalan club. Before Barcelona she was at Atlético Madrid, so her European formation is about as strong as it gets.

What has caught London City's eye specifically is León's ball-playing ability from the back. The club are working to develop an attractive, possession-based style of play, and a central defender who is comfortable with the ball at her feet — and who has operated at the very highest level for the best part of a decade — is exactly the type of profile they have been searching for.

Kang's project takes shape

Both signings arrive on free transfers, which is remarkable value given the calibre of player involved. London City's ownership model under Kang has been built around targeting top-level names who can simultaneously improve the squad and attract new supporters to the club.

The Lionesses have been working their way up the WSL standings but have not yet broken through to challenge for the title. The arrivals of Earps and León represent the clearest signal yet that the club believe that moment is approaching. With a four-times Champions League winner organising the defence and one of the WSL's most decorated goalkeepers behind her, the building blocks are there for a genuine push at the top of the table.

Contracts at Barcelona and PSG respectively run until the end of June, meaning both players could be confirmed as London City players as early as July. The WSL market is watching closely.

  • Mary Earps, 33 — leaves PSG after two seasons; previously at Manchester United, Reading, Bristol City, Birmingham City, Doncaster Rovers Belles
  • Mapi León, 31 — leaves Barcelona after nine seasons; four-time Champions League winner; formerly at Atlético Madrid

Frequently asked

Where is Mary Earps going after PSG?
Earps is understood to have agreed terms with London City Lionesses and is set to join the WSL club on a free transfer when her PSG contract expires at the end of June 2026.
Who is Mapi León and why is she joining London City?
Mapi León is a Spanish central defender who spent nine seasons at Barcelona, winning the Champions League four times. London City Lionesses are signing her on a free transfer, attracted by her ball-playing ability as they look to develop an attacking style of play.
Who owns London City Lionesses?
London City Lionesses are owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang, who has been investing heavily in high-profile signings to help the club challenge for WSL trophies and grow their fanbase.