London City Lionesses have made a substantial impact on the Women's Super League (WSL) ahead of the new season, securing promotion and making a series of high-profile signings. The club, based in Bromley, has brought in Spain international and World Cup winner Alexia Putellas, making her the biggest overseas signing in WSL history. Putellas, a free transfer, is reportedly one of the highest-paid women's footballers globally, earning around £1m per year.
Owner Michele Kang, a South Korean-born American billionaire, has been the driving force behind the club's transformation. In addition to Putellas, London City has signed Barcelona teammates Mapi Leon and Jana Fernandez, as well as Lyonnes forwards Kadidiatou Diani and Delphine Cascarino, and midfielder Danielle van de Donk. Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has also joined from Paris Saint-Germain, and the club paid £1m for midfielder Grace Geyoro last summer.
London City Lionesses are unique in the expanded 14-team WSL as the only independent club without affiliation to a men's team. Their spending is noted to comfortably exceed that of clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool. Kang's investment extends beyond player acquisitions, with a reported £3m shirt deal with Nike and a $50m commitment to the Kynisca Innovation Hub, focusing on elite female athlete health.