Putellas decides to join London City Lionesses

Alexia Putellas has decided to London City Lionesses on a free transfer following her departure from Barcelona.

The Spain international was understood to be happy with the terms offered by the WSL club a few weeks ago, but wanted to explore interest from the NWSL.

Boston Legacy pushed hard to sign Putellas but she has chosen to play for London City in the WSL.

The club have already signed former England goalkeeper Mary Earps this summer, while Freya Godfrey penned a three-year contract extension earlier on Thursday.

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Putellas left Barcelona in May after 14 years at the club, spearheading them to unprecedented success.

The midfielder is regarded as one of the best players in the world, and has won the Ballon d'Or twice in 2021 and 2022. She is also tipped to win it for a third time this year and it would be her first since overcoming an ACL injury in 2022.

It comes after yet another Primera Division title this season with Barcelona - her tenth - and the Champions League, beating Lyon in last month's showpiece final. It is the fourth time she has lifted the European title.

She was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2023 World Cup and were runners-up to England at Euro 2025.

'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 and was named the competition's Player of the Season.

She's returned to the peak of her powers at a time her club needed her after injury to teammate Aitana Bonmati.

Putellas is also one of the most recognisable and marketable faces in the game. Her latest advert for a popular crisp brand has her alongside David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Steve Carell. Her "La Reina" Nike campaign was adorned on the side of Nou Camp for years.

The fact the Lionesses are offering the Spain midfielder more money than the European champions shows the club aren't messing around.

London City head coach Eder Maestre told me after his side's final WSL game of the season that the club is "dreaming of the Champions League" next season. These aren't just flights of fancy; they're bankrolled by the coffers of Michelle Kang.

London City also want to sign Putellas' teammate Mapi Leon and I'm told they tested the waters on a possible move for Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, before she recommitted to Man City.

This looks like a Galacticos project based in Bromley.