Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion, has joined London City Lionesses, marking a significant transfer for the Women’s Super League (WSL). Putellas, who also boasts four Champions League titles, expressed her commitment to her new club, stating, “I’m hungry to win, to be better day after day, to fight with my teammates for the victory.”
The move sees Putellas leave Barcelona, her childhood club where she spent 14 years, for a team that finished 22 points adrift of European qualification spots last season. Despite her extensive list of accolades, Putellas believes the WSL can help her improve as a player. She noted, “It will be different, but that’s why I’m here, because I’m looking forward to improving myself.”
Putellas’s ambitions and the Lionesses’ project
Putellas’s arrival is part of an ambitious project led by businesswoman Michele Kang, who also owns Lyonnes and Washington Spirit. Kang’s multi-club ownership group, Kynisca, aims to build a globally recognised brand. The London City Lionesses were promoted to the WSL in 2025 and finished sixth in their first top-flight season. Putellas will be joined by other notable signings, including France forward Kadidiatou Diani from Lyonnes, her former Barcelona teammate Mapi León, and former England goalkeeper Mary Earps from PSG.
The club’s strategy, backed by Kang, has drawn comparisons to the ‘Galacticos’ approach seen at Real Madrid. Putellas emphasised her commitment to the project, stating, “I’m going to bring to the project whatever the project needs from me, so I’m 100% committed.” She also highlighted the competitive nature of the WSL, anticipating that all games will push her to her limits.
When asked about her expectations for the season, Putellas stated, “I don’t have expectations. I just want the hard work we are doing to speak for itself.” She added that she has a competitive mindset and wants to win every game, but believes in focusing on hard work rather than setting specific expectations.
Adapting to a new league and lifestyle
Putellas has begun to adapt to her new surroundings in England, including a new language and lifestyle. She is still learning English and working to improve it. She also shared her experience trying an English fry-up, describing it as “quite different,” particularly the sausages and eggs.
She will have support in settling in, with six Spanish teammates and head coach Eder Maestre, who previously managed Tenerife. Maestre spent a year and a half at Tenerife, guiding them to sixth place in his only full season before his departure for England. Putellas believes the tactical differences in the English game will help her develop new skills, particularly in handling various game situations, such as controlling low blocks or playing box-to-box.
Before her move, Putellas spoke with former Barcelona teammates, including England internationals Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze, about what to expect in the WSL. She humorously recounted their warnings that it is a “hard league” and they would “kick” her, clarifying that she was joking. Putellas is ready for the new challenges, stating, “It’s different but it is what I was looking for. I came with an open mind so I’m ready for whatever this journey is.”
The London City Lionesses are set to host Manchester United on 5 September for the opening match of the new WSL season, where Putellas is expected to make her debut.
Source: theguardian.com
As News-UK's Sports News Writer, Oscar Pennington reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He built a reputation for sharp explainer pieces on regional sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Oscar lives in Nottingham, where he follows the pro golf tour and amateur boxing. “Context is what turns a result into a story.”
