Alexia Putellas news: Barcelona and Spain midfielder joins London City Lionesses on a free transfer
Alexia Putellas has moved to WSL side London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona in May; Putellas has won two Ballon d'Or's and is the favourite to win the prestigious award again this autumn; the 32-year-old has multiple Champions League titles and Primera Division wins to her name
Wednesday 8 July 2026 15:59, UK
London City Lionesses have completed the landmark signing of free agent Alexia Putellas following her departure from Barcelona.
Putellas left the Catalonia club in May after a trophy-laden 14 years, spearheading the side she joined as a teenager to unprecedented success domestically and in Europe.
The World Cup champion, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, is widely regarded as one of the best female players in the game. She is tipped as the favourite to add a third Ballon d'Or to her collection at this year's ceremony in October.
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Speaking about the move, Putellas said: "I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with London City Lionesses.
"The club's ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me.
"I look forward to making an impact on the pitch as we challenge for titles. On the pitch, building on my passion for youth development, I am equally excited to work with Michele [Kang] in elevating women's football in England and on the global stage."
Michele Kang, owner of London City, said: "Alexia Putellas embodies the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and vision in women's football.
"Her decision to join our independent, women-first club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building at London City."
The capture of Putellas marks another significant move in the development of fast-emerging London City, having also landed former England international goalkeeper Mary Earps earlier this summer.
Putellas, now 32, joins a raft of high-profile names already on the books of the Kang-led enterprise, including France sensation Grace Geyoro and Sweden stalwart Kosovare Asllani.
London City have only spent one season in the WSL to date, finishing sixth under the leadership of Spanish coach Eder Maestre in 2025/26. Putellas' arrival is expected to drive rapid growth for the top-flight newcomers, while also adding significantly to the status of the WSL.
'A Galacticos project based in Bromley'
Analysis from Sky Sports News' Anton Toloui:
London City mean business by bringing one of the biggest names in the history of the game to the Lionesses. Putellas captained Barcelona to their fourth Champions League this year and was named the competition's player of the season.
She returned to the peak of her powers to restore Barcelona's position as Europe's powerhouse club, her form particularly important after injury to team-mate Aitana Bonmati.
Putellas is also one of the most recognisable and marketable faces in the game. Her latest advert for a popular crisp brand - you know the one - has her starring alongside David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Steve Carrell.
The fact the Lionesses are offering her more money than the current European champions shows the club are not messing. Eder Maestre confirmed to me as recently as May that the club's ambition extends to "dreaming of the Champions League."
These aren't just flights of fancy; they are bankrolled by the coffers of Michele Kang. This looks like a Galacticos project based in humble Bromley.
Putellas encompasses a joy for football that knows no bounds
Analysis by Sky Sports' Laura Hunter:
I had the privilege of watching Alexia Putellas play live for Barcelona in an El Clasico at Camp Nou back in April. You'll note the tone of the piece. Effusive with praise.
No doubt Putellas remains the real deal, a joy to watch. It's difficult to describe her control and influence on games without witnessing firsthand. Even at 32, she's what the streets call a proper baller. And I expect her to bring that unique authenticity to the WSL for as long as she stays.
The English top-flight is undoubtedly more demanding than Spain's domestic league, more intense too. But she's got the knack and nouse to adapt quickly. If this is a sign of things to come for London City, then rivals should be under no illusion of their intent.
Skeptics might question the scale of the investment, rightly so, and debate over the financial disparity between London City and their direct competitors. But without ambitious investors, how does the game reach new heights?
Earps excited to play alongside 'fantastic' Putellas
Goalkeeper Earps will be a new team-mate of Putellas next season, and has tipped the playmaker to win a third Ballon d'Or award after another show-stopping year for Barcelona and Spain.
She told Sky Sports News: "It's really exciting to be playing alongside a lot of great players and Alexia's signing is massive for the club. It shows their intent and she's a fantastic player. I think she'll be well up there for the Ballon d'Or this year.
"I've had the privilege of playing alongside some incredible players over the years so I'm really looking forward to it. I'm sure she's going to challenge me in training.
"I can't wait and hopefully we can work really well together. London City are building an exciting squad so it's exciting to be a part of it."
