‘Landmark signing’ – WSL side expected to make stunning bid for two-time Ballon d’Or winner

London City Lionesses are expected to try and sign two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

The 31-year-old currently plays for Barcelona, but is out of contract in the summer.

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There is, though, an option to extend this deal by a further year.

Putellas was spotted at Hayes Lane on Sunday to see WSL side London City Lionesses 2-1 defeat to Man City.

Less than 24 hours ago, she helped Barca beat Real Madrid 2-0 to win the Women’s Spanish Super Cup.

talkSPORT’s Shebahn Aherne revealed that she heard that London City Lionesses are expected to make a landmark signing.

Speaking on Weekend Sports Breakfast, she said: “We’re talking about Trinity Rodman. She signed back out for Washington Spirit, who are owned by Michelle Kang, for a $2m salary a year. Absolutely unbelievable.

“But I’m hearing rumors that have come past my desk that London City, also owned by Michelle Kang, are expected to make a landmark signing. 

“Well, they’ve done that already, haven’t they? Push the envelope quite hard and added some big players. 

But I think we’re talking Ballon d’Or worthy. Ballon d’Or winner, two time Ballon d’Or winner, if it is this person.”

Alexia Putellas’ career

Putellas is widely regarded as one of the greatest female footballers of all time.

She won the Ballon d’Or Feminin in 2021 and 2022 amid a host of individual accolades.

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The 31-year-old is a World Cup winner with Spain and twice lifted the Nations League.

The only title that eludes her at international level is the European Championship, losing to England in the 2025 final.

With Barcelona, she is a nine-time league champion and three-time Champions League winner.

London City Lionesses

London City Lionesses were founded just six years ago.

They split from Millwall, breaking away to form their own team, playing their home games at Hayes Lane in Bromley.

The FA allowed the transfer of Millwall’s Championship license, allowing them to start in the second tier as a fully independent team, with no male counterpart.

Instability hit the club in 2023, and this saw billionaire Michele Kang swoop in to buy the club in December that year.

She is worth $1.2bn, according to Forbes, worked in several successful businesses before founding healthcare tech firm Cognosante and later selling it.

She also owns Washington Spirit and Olympique Lyonnais, while also investing in US Soccer Federation’s women’s and girl’s programs.