Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas joins London City Lionesses in record transfer

Hupu Football News | July 29 | Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Move That Shook Women's Football

On a cold morning in January this year, Alexia Putellas was spotted in the stands of Hayes Lane Stadium – the home of Bromley and London City Lionesses. That day, she watched the Women's Super League team narrowly lose to Manchester City.

Six months later, Putellas confirmed she will become a regular here. She has agreed to join London City, a signing widely regarded as one of the most significant in Women's Super League history.

Putellas Speaks

"I am very much looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career at London City Lionesses. The club's ambition and determination to develop as an independent women's football club strongly resonate with me. I look forward to making an impact on the pitch and competing for titles with the team."

A Storied Career at Barcelona

The Spanish forward announced in May that she would leave Barcelona after 14 years with the club. During that time, she won:

• 10 league titles
• 4 Champions League titles

Clubs from the United States and Mexico also expressed interest, but it was London City that ultimately secured her signing.

Why Leave Barcelona for Bromley?

The answer is inseparable from London City's billionaire owner, Michele Kang. London City is part of Kang's Kynisca Sports, a multi-club group focused on women's football that also includes:

• Lyon (France)
• Washington Spirit (United States)

Kang has been planning to bring in Putellas for some time. It is understood that she offered a staggering contract, which will place Putellas among the highest-paid female footballers in the world.

During the Champions League final at the end of May, when Barcelona defeated Kang's Lyon 4-0, eagle-eyed fans noticed that as Putellas walked past Kang on the podium to lift the trophy, the businesswoman seemed to have a knowing smile on her face.

Key Factors Behind the Transfer

• Financial reasons: Putellas will turn 33 next year.
• New challenge: The Women's Super League is more competitive than Spain's league, where Barcelona wins with ease almost every season.
• Familiar faces: She has acquaintances at London City, including Spanish national teammate Jana Fernández.

The Downsides

• London City finished sixth last season and does not have Champions League qualification.
• Even if the club qualifies in the future, it would need to navigate UEFA's rules prohibiting multiple clubs under the same ownership from participating simultaneously.
• London City's fan base is far smaller than Barcelona's.
• Grace Geyoro struggled after moving from Paris Saint-Germain to London City – a challenge Putellas has accepted.

Why London City Wanted Putellas

Last season, Putellas scored 21 goals in all competitions and captained Barcelona to another quadruple. She is a strong contender for her third Golden Ball. Star players like Putellas and former England goalkeeper Mary Earps can also help London City expand its fan base.

Kang described Putellas' decision as:

"A powerful endorsement of what London City and Kynisca are building. This is far more than a regular signing; it is a bold statement about the future of the sport."

Controversy and Criticism

Not everyone in women's football will welcome Putellas joining London City.

• Barcelona is Lyon's biggest rival in the Champions League, with the two teams meeting in three of the last five finals.
• Some believe Kang intends to weaken Barcelona to benefit Lyon.
• She previously poached Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giráldez, who left after leading Barcelona to victory over Lyon in the 2024 Champions League final, first joining Washington Spirit and later moving to coach Lyon.
• Kang also hired former Barcelona sporting director Markel Zubizarreta as Kynisca Sports' global sporting director.
• Last summer, London City signed Jana Fernández from Barcelona, and Lyon brought in defender Ingrid Engen.

Financial Sustainability Questions

• London City recorded a record operating loss of £10.6 million in the 2024-25 season.
• Some figures at other clubs believe London City's transfer fees and wages are disrupting the market.
• Meanwhile, clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City have been criticized for underinvesting in player wages and transfer fees.
• Some traditionalists argue that Putellas has abandoned Barcelona, a club with a rich history, for a club lacking identity and soul.

A New Era?

London City existed before Kang's takeover. The club was founded in 2019, splitting from Millwall Lionesses as an independent team, and Kang completed the acquisition in 2023.

But this is clearly not a fairy tale. The entire process has always been closely tied to money, and the amounts involved are enormous.

Even so, Putellas' arrival at Hayes Lane could mark the beginning of a new era – for London City and for the Women's Super League.

Source: The Daily Telegraph Posted in Shanghai | Read 223