Mary Earps is making a highly anticipated comeback to English football after reaching an agreement on personal terms with London City Lionesses. The England No.1 is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain upon the expiry of her contract and will become a central figure in a major rebuilding project in London this summer.

A major homecoming for the Lionesses’ goalkeeper

As reported by BBC Sport, the 33-year-old shot-stopper is preparing to return to the Women’s Super League, just two years after her departure from Manchester United to join the French giants. Earps, a two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year, has enjoyed a strong spell at PSG, featuring in 22 matches in the French Première Ligue this season and achieving 12 clean sheets.

Although she has enjoyed significant personal success in France, the opportunity to return home and be part of an ambitious project led by owner Michele Kang has been pivotal in her decision. Earps remains one of the most iconic figures in women’s football, having played a crucial role in England’s Euro 2022 triumph and their journey to the 2023 World Cup final.

Massive signing: Barcelona legend Mapi Leon joins the project

The London City Lionesses’ recruitment push extends beyond the goalkeeper position. The club has also reached a verbal agreement with Spanish international defender Mapi Leon. The 30-year-old recently concluded a remarkable nine-year spell at Barcelona, where she was widely recognised as one of the finest centre-backs in the game.

Leon brings with her an extraordinary record, having lifted 27 trophies during her tenure with the Catalan club, including four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles. Her latest European triumph came in a commanding 4-0 win over Lyon in the final. The addition of Leon, alongside Earps, marks a statement of intent from a club that finished sixth in the WSL last season.

Michele Kang’s ambitious vision for the club

Under the ownership of American entrepreneur Michele Kang, London City Lionesses are aiming to reshape the future of English women’s football. The double signing of Earps and Leon is expected to be officially completed later this month once contracts are signed. These acquisitions signal a deliberate push to elevate the team’s quality and challenge the established powerhouses of the WSL.

In addition, the club continues to pursue two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who recently announced her departure from Barcelona after 14 years. If the move materialises, it could turn this summer into one of the most transformative transfer windows in the history of women’s football.

Summer shake-up across the WSL

Earps’ return is a key part of a wider wave of transfer activity across the Women’s Super League. Australia captain Sam Kerr is currently a free agent following her departure from Chelsea, while Arsenal’s Katie McCabe has completed a move to the Blues. Manchester City are reportedly leading the chase for England forward Beth Mead.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also bolstering their squad, with reports suggesting they are close to signing midfield powerhouse Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich and Spanish defender Ona Batlle from Barcelona.