Alexia Putellas has announced the end of her iconic Barcelona journey, bringing down the curtain on one of the greatest club careers in women’s football history. The Spanish midfielder is now being heavily linked with a sensational move to London City Lionesses as the ambitious Women’s Super League newcomers look to make the biggest signing in the league’s history.
Putellas confirmed her departure days after captaining FC Barcelona Femení to another UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph, her fourth European title with the club.
The 32-year-old leaves Barcelona as a modern legend after scoring 232 goals in 507 appearances and helping the club win 38 trophies, including 10 league titles.
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End of a historic Barcelona era
According to the BBC, Putellas joined Barcelona as a teenager and evolved into the face of the club’s rise into a global powerhouse in women’s football. Over the years, she became one of the most decorated and influential players in the sport, winning back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 2021 and 2022.
In an emotional farewell message, Putellas reflected on her journey from a young girl watching football in the stadium to hearing tens of thousands of Barcelona fans chant her name.
She described her time at the club as a “perfect story” and said she wanted to leave while still performing at the highest level.
Her departure also signals the end of a defining chapter for Barcelona under coach Pere Romeu, with the club preparing for a transition after years of domestic and European dominance.
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London City pushing for blockbuster transfer
According to the BBC, sources close to London City Lionesses believe the club is in a strong position to secure Putellas’ signature. Discussions have reportedly been ongoing for months, and the club is prepared to offer a salary package matching her stature as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Owned by billionaire Michele Kang, London City is attempting to rapidly establish itself among the elite clubs in England despite finishing sixth in its debut WSL season.
The project has already attracted attention across European football because of its financial backing and long-term ambition to break into the top tier of the women’s game.
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WSL’s growing global pull
According to the BBC, several factors could work in London City’s favour. Spanish coach Eder Maestre is already at the club, while Putellas shares close friendships with players connected to the project, including Jana Fernandez. Reports also suggest Barcelona defender Mapi León could join the club as well.
Even so, moving from a Champions League-winning Barcelona side to a mid-table WSL team would represent a major sporting shift.
But the pursuit itself underlines the rapidly growing appeal of the Women’s Super League, which continues attracting some of the biggest names in world football. If London City complete the deal, it could become one of the defining transfers in the history of the women’s game.