sevendayweekender – London City Lionesses have completed one of the most remarkable signings in women’s football by securing Spain international Alexia Putellas on a free transfer following the expiration of her contract with Barcelona.
The move represents a major statement of intent from the independent Women’s Super League club. Which only made its debut in England’s top flight last season.
Despite finishing sixth in their first campaign in the Women’s Super League. London City Lionesses have beaten a host of Europe’s biggest clubs to the signature of one of the most decorated players in the history of the women’s game.
Putellas had attracted interest from numerous elite clubs capable of matching her ambitions. But the Lionesses ultimately won the race for the two-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The midfielder joins as a free agent after choosing not to renew her long-standing contract with Barcelona. Although reports suggest London City Lionesses offered a lucrative financial package to secure the landmark transfer.
Barcelona Legend Leaves After Trophy-Laden Career
Putellas departs Barcelona as one of the greatest players ever to represent the Catalan club. During her time with Barça, she collected an extraordinary 38 major trophies. Including 10 Liga F titles and four UEFA Women’s Champions League crowns.
Her final European triumph came last season as Barcelona lifted their fourth Champions League trophy. The Spanish midfielder also leaves as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. Having scored 232 goals in 507 appearances across all competitions.
She ranks second on Barcelona’s all-time appearance list. Sitting just nine matches behind club legend Melanie Serrano, who made 516 appearances.
Putellas established herself as one of the defining players of her generation through her leadership. Creativity and goalscoring ability, becoming a central figure during Barcelona’s era of domestic and European dominance.
World Cup Winner Ready for New Challenge
At international level, Putellas has also enjoyed remarkable success with Spain. She played an important role in Spain’s historic FIFA Women’s World Cup triumph in 2023 and helped her country reach the final of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, where Spain finished runners-up to England.
Her career briefly stalled after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on the eve of Euro 2022, forcing her to miss the tournament and much of the following season.
However, after returning to full fitness, Putellas rediscovered the form that made her one of the world’s best players.
Her outstanding performances earned her consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin awards in 2021 and 2022, cementing her status among the greatest footballers of her generation.
Reports indicate London City Lionesses have been working on the transfer since January and remained confident throughout negotiations that they could persuade the Spanish star to join the ambitious project.
The arrival of Alexia Putellas marks the biggest signing in the club’s history and signals London’s City Lionesses’ determination to establish themselves among the Women’s Super League’s leading teams.
With one of world football’s most accomplished midfielders now in their squad, the Lionesses have delivered a transfer coup that could reshape expectations for the upcoming season.
