Alexia Putellas leaving Barca as London City Lionesses in pursuitAlexia Putellas leaving Barca as London City Lionesses in pursuit

Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, has confirmed her departure from Barcelona after a remarkable 14-year tenure, with London City Lionesses actively pursuing her signature.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who captained Barcelona to their fourth Champions League title recently, leaves the club having amassed a total of 38 trophies, including 10 league titles. She has made 507 appearances for the club, scoring 232 goals, placing her second on the all-time appearance list.

Sources indicate that London City Lionesses, who finished sixth in their debut season in the Women’s Super League, are optimistic about finalizing a deal with Putellas, having engaged in discussions for several months. They are reportedly prepared to offer her a contract exceeding her current terms at Barcelona.

Putellas’s achievements extend beyond her club career; she was part of the Spanish national team that won the World Cup in 2023 and was a runner-up in the Euro 2025. Her recent performances have reaffirmed her status as one of the top players globally, having recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined her during the Euro 2022.

London City Lionesses are keen to enhance their squad, aiming to break into the top tier of the league and qualify for the Champions League. The club’s billionaire owner, Michele Kang, is committed to investing in top talent, making the potential signing of Putellas a significant move.

The club’s ambitions are further supported by the presence of Spanish coach Eder Maestre and former Barcelona player Jana Fernández, who already plays for the Lionesses. Additionally, there are expectations that Putellas’s teammate Mapi León may join her at the club.

Despite the allure of joining a club with a rich history like Barcelona, the prospect of contributing to a growing project in London is appealing for Putellas. The interest from London City Lionesses highlights the increasing competitiveness of the Women’s Super League, which is becoming a prime destination for elite players.

Putellas expressed her desire to leave Barcelona at her peak, stating, “I wanted the final moment to come when I was at my best, giving everything and with 100 percent energy.” She will be honored with a send-off at the Camp Nou, recognizing her immense contribution to the club.

As the transfer window approaches, the football community will be watching closely to see if London City can successfully secure one of the sport’s biggest names.

Alexia Putellas carries the Women's Champions League trophy before the trophy lift
Alexia Putellas won four Women’s Champions League titles during her time at Barcelona.Photograph: Bernadett Szabó

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By Kwame Ofori

Kwame Ofori is a veteran journalist with over 15 years of experience covering political reforms, elections, and economic policies across West Africa. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Ghana.