London City Lionesses have signed Alexia Putellas on a free transfer following her 14-year tenure at Barcelona. The 32-year-old midfielder, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion, arrives in England after captaining Barcelona to their fourth Champions League title this year. Putellas reportedly earns more at the London club than she did with the European champions.

Owner Michele Kang is building a high-profile squad in Bromley, adding Putellas to a roster that already includes goalkeeper Mary Earps, Grace Geyoro, and Kosovare Asllani. This aggressive recruitment follows a debut WSL season where London City finished sixth under coach Eder Maestre during the 2025/26 campaign.

This signing signals a shift in the WSL power balance. By pairing a Champions League player of the season with established internationals, London City is attempting to bypass the traditional growth curve to challenge for titles. The investment suggests the club intends to move from mid-table stability to Champions League contention rapidly, putting immense financial and competitive pressure on established league rivals.