Alexia Putellas towards a resounding departure in London? What impact on women's football
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Alexia Putellas, icon of FC Barcelona and double Ballon d'Or, is preparing to leave Catalonia. A highly publicized departure, while the London City Lionesses are pushing hard to secure his services. An arrival in England would represent a major turning point for the Women's Super League, both in sporting and media terms.
The farewell ceremony organized on Wednesday on the Barça pitch lived up to Alexia Putellas' immense track record: 38 trophies won in 14 years. The Catalan legend, who recently announced his departure, is being keenly courted by the London City Lionesses. According to several sources, the English club, promoted to the Women's Super League, is confident about the signing of the double Ballon d'Or. Other clubs, notably in the United States, are also said to be in the running, but Putellas has not yet announced its official decision.
If the Spanish midfielder opts for the project led by Michelle Kang in London, it would undoubtedly be the most significant transfer in the history of the WSL. Putellas has made Barça history with major titles and was crucial in the Champions League quadruple victory they recently won against Lyon. Her influence goes far beyond the sporting framework, becoming a major ambassador for women's football, both in Spain and internationally.
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In their desire to establish themselves among the English elite, the London Lionesses have already attracted several Spanish players from Barcelona. The possible arrival of Alexia would considerably strengthen a squad where we find Jana Fernandez, Maria Perez and Lucia Corrales, all former Barcelona players. Despite a mid-table ranking this season and an average attendance of around 3,000 spectators, the London club has high ambitions, aiming for Europe in the short term.
But this arrival also reflects the growing power of the WSL on the European scene. With increased investments, a growing audience and a new league status capable of attracting the world's biggest stars, the English elite wants to assert itself against competition from the Spanish, German or French championships. For many observers, Putellas' possible transfer to London risks paving the way for an increased migration of top talent to England, due to a higher level of competitiveness and remuneration.
In addition to the sporting aspect, the WSL could thus become the European benchmark for the discipline, as the men's Premier League has become in recent decades. This enthusiasm is already reflected on the market: Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, but also Brighton, are multiplying ambitious announcements. The arrival of Alexia Putellas would only accentuate this dynamic and generate an unprecedented impact for British women's football.