A Historic Union: Putellas and London City Lionesses Forge New Chapter

From Barcelona to Bromley – When Michele Kang took ownership of London City Lionesses in December 2023, few could have imagined that Alexia Putellas would become a player for the club just two and a half years later. Yet that extraordinary scenario has now materialized, bringing together one of the finest female footballers in history alongside one of the most visionary owners in the sport. This partnership represents something truly special for women’s football.

Known affectionately as ‘La Reina’ or the Queen throughout Spain, Putellas has accumulated an impressive collection of honors at every level. She has captured every major trophy available at club level and secured World Cup glory with her national team. Her personal achievements are so extensive that they could easily surpass London City Lionesses’ complete Wikipedia page. Additionally, the midfielder boasts forty-four times more Instagram followers than her new club.

The Journey from Bromley to Barcelona and Back

How did an independent organization based in Bromley, competing in the second division during 2025, manage to secure the largest transfer in Women’s Super League history? The answer lies in a combination of timing, ambition, and mutual respect between two remarkable figures.

Putellas served as Barcelona’s defining player for fourteen seasons, contributing to an incredible thirty-eight major trophies. This haul included ten league championships and four Champions League victories. Her career reached its zenith during 2021 and 2022 when she claimed consecutive Ballon d’Or awards. However, an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained just before Euro 2022 temporarily derailed her momentum.

Fortunately, she recovered sufficiently to help Spain win the 2023 World Cup and featured in the squad that finished as runners-up to England at Euro 2025. Having accomplished virtually everything possible, sources indicate she felt ready for a fresh challenge. With her Barcelona contract coming to an end, Putellas chose to depart, and she had long harbored interest in joining the WSL.

Why London City Lionesses Won the Race

London City Lionesses found themselves in a strong position and pursued Putellas diligently despite interest from most of the world’s leading clubs. She received proposals from England, Mexico, and the United States, with Boston Legacy emerging as her toughest competitor according to people close to the player.

Ultimately, Putellas was drawn to Kang’s ambitious vision for women’s football. The American billionaire’s French club Lyon had been a persistent rival to London City Lionesses for years. A meaningful connection developed between the two women, with sources suggesting that a business collaboration extending beyond Putellas’s playing days is likely to emerge and thrive.

The Spaniard revealed on Wednesday the pair first met in Miami four years ago when they had dinner, and they discussed their vision for the game.

Putellas desired to join an organization where she could make an impact both on and off the pitch, creating a lasting legacy that would help develop the future of the sport. She made the significant choice to forego Champions League football this season—a considerable decision for someone who led Barcelona to triumph in 2026.

Financial Structure and Future Plans

London City Lionesses have outlined a five-year strategy that includes competing for major honors and challenging for a European qualification place in the WSL this campaign. With a World Cup approaching in 2027, Putellas wanted to establish herself in Bromley by then, and a three-year agreement has secured her future there.

‘It was the perfect option’ – Putellas on London City move

Kang’s influence proved decisive in convincing Putellas to make the move. The American owner maintained regular communication with the midfielder at various events and award ceremonies. Consequently, London City Lionesses remained confident they could attract Putellas, even though formal terms were only finalized in recent weeks.

The club deliberately avoided requesting Barcelona to approach Putellas in January, despite her being eligible, because she had expressed a desire to complete the season without distractions. Her contract was executed this month, and it is understood that Putellas did not share her decision with any teammates beforehand.

Kang’s financial backing played a crucial role. She could supply the necessary resources to compensate Putellas appropriately, making her the club’s top earner. According to London City sources, her base salary remains under £1 million, though additional bonuses and add-ons will boost this figure considerably. There are no separate image rights agreements involved.

WSL regulations stipulate that players cannot earn more than eighty percent of the club’s total revenue, plus any supplementary investment up to £4 million. For instance, Arsenal and Chelsea, the league’s highest earners, reported revenues of £21.5 million and £21.3 million respectively in 2025, allowing for potential wage structures of approximately £21 million with the full £4 million investment. For London City Lionesses, this investment comes from Kynisca, Kang’s business enterprise, ensuring Putellas’s wages remain within their flexible salary cap. The club’s total revenue has yet to be disclosed following their promotion to the top flight.