Barcelona legend Alexia Putellas has reportedly finalised her transfer to London City Lionesses, marking the end of a glorious 14-year chapter with the Catalan club. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner is now set to begin a new phase of her career in the Women's Super League (WSL).

Barcelona icon opts for London over American suitors

According to ESPN, Putellas has reached an agreement to join London City Lionesses after departing Barcelona following a trophy-filled 14-year stay. The Spain international had multiple options on the table, including lucrative offers from the NWSL, but the English side emerged as her preferred destination. London City Lionesses have now sealed the deal to bring the Spanish star into the WSL.

Putellas’s decision was driven by her wish to remain in Europe and maintain proximity to her homeland. Additionally, she was keen to avoid signing for another major European powerhouse that might compel her to face her beloved Barcelona on a regular basis.

Billionaire owner drives Champions League ambitions

The landmark move is part of the grand vision of London City Lionesses’ billionaire owner, Michele Kang, who is determined to elevate her English club into one of the leading forces in the Women's Champions League. The team wrapped up their first season in the top flight in sixth place, narrowly missing out on the top three required for European qualification. Despite still developing, Kang’s ambitious project—including plans for a world-class training facility—proved to be a major draw for Putellas.

World Cup focus inspires bold move

Putellas views this high-profile transfer as an ideal opportunity to prepare for the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. Competing in the WSL will allow the 2023 World Cup champion to push beyond her comfort zone and continue evolving at the highest level of competition.

To ensure a smooth tactical adaptation in London, club executives are also moving close to finalising another major signing. London City Lionesses are reportedly on the brink of acquiring elite defender Mapi Leon, which would reunite Putellas with her long-time Barcelona and Spain teammate.

Barcelona’s greatest scorer since Messi leaves lasting legacy

Putellas leaves Barcelona after captaining the club to another domestic and European quadruple, wrapping up the season with 21 goals and 13 assists. With a staggering 232 career goals for the Blaugrana, she departs as the all-time top scorer in the women’s team’s history—second only to Lionel Messi across the entire club.

Her extraordinary individual performances earned her consecutive Ballon d'Or and FIFA 'The Best' titles in 2021 and 2022, setting a new benchmark in women’s football. While Barcelona remain among Europe’s elite, Putellas now shifts her focus to replicating that success with London City Lionesses in the United Kingdom.