London City Lionesses sign Alexia Putellas and eight other players ahead of new season

London City Lionesses signed Spain forward Alexia Putellas, defender Mapi León, former England goalkeeper Mary Earps and France winger Kadidiatou Diani this summer. Additional arrivals included Janni Thomsen from Utah Royals, Nicole Anyomi from Eintracht Frankfurt, France midfielder Grace Geyoro, Spain defender Lucía Corrales and Australia defender Alanna Kennedy.

The club finished sixth in the Women's Super League last season after promotion.

Its accounts for 2024-25 showed revenue of £902,000 and an operating loss of £10.6 million. WSL rules limit a club's wage bill to 80 percent of revenue plus up to £4 million or an extra 25 percent of revenue, whichever is higher. One point is deducted for every £100,000 overspent, with larger penalties for breaches above £900,000.

Sanctions for salary-cost breaches will not apply during the 2025-26 season. Owner Michele Kang, an American businesswoman, funded the signings. The Guardian reported that rival clubs questioned how the spending fits within the cap given the club's revenue figures.

The club stated it is compliant and transparent with league requirements. Other transfers reported include Gotham FC signing Denise O'Sullivan from Liverpool on a loan with an obligation to buy, Arsenal signing 19-year-old Germany youth forward Lisa Baum from RB Leipzig and Spain full-back Ona Batlle on a free transfer from Barcelona, and Everton signing Noémié Mouchon from Leicester City.