Shockwaves are still echoing through Camp Nou as Barcelona Femení's unprecedented quadruple-winning squad begins to disintegrate at an alarming rate. Just a season after dominating on the pitch, the European champions are facing a mass exodus of seven players, with only one fresh face joining the ranks – 19-year-old Renee van Asten from Ajax. The brain drain includes some of their most influential figures, casting a long shadow over their recent successes.
The biggest blow is undoubtedly two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas' decision to leave after 14 years with the club for Michele Kang's London City Lionesses in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Fellow Spain internationals Ona Batlle and Mapi León have also bid adieu, with León following Putellas to London City Lionesses on a free transfer. Salma Paralluelo is another high-profile departure, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly in the driving seat for her signature after Chelsea's negotiations fell through. The WSL has become a magnet for Barcelona's departing players, with 14 of their last 19 exits landing them in English clubs – Batlle's move to Arsenal being just one example.
The root cause of this exodus is attributed to the ongoing financial fair play issues plaguing Barcelona's men's team in La Liga, which are having a ripple effect across all departments. With only 17 senior players on their books – two goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and three forwards – they're reportedly in talks with Manchester City to sign Brazilian forward Kerolin. The departures of key players like Putellas and León on free transfers highlight internal management challenges, particularly when it comes to contract renewals.
Since 2024, Barcelona Femení has seen a staggering 19 players leave – including academy stars who had become regular first-team fixtures. Meanwhile, they've only managed two senior signings and two academy promotions to the senior side over the same period. Reserve goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck, who arrived in July 2024, was already gone after just one season, while Laia Aleixandri joined on a free transfer from Manchester City in June 2025. The pressure is mounting as pre-season training kicked off on Monday, 27 July, with the team appearing perilously thin.
The usually reliable route of promoting academy talent is also being severely tested. Goalkeeper Txell Font has moved to FC Badalona, Adriana Ranera joined Deportiva de A Coruña, Martina Fenger signed for Hoffenheim, and Alba Caño headed to the NWSL with Boston Legacy. Last season, academy products Aïcha Camara and Clara Serrajordi were given first-team contracts and played crucial roles in the team's success – especially when established players like Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, and Ona Batlle were sidelined by injury. However, with their best academy players already promoted or departing, options for further internal promotions this season are dwindling fast.