Putellas was Barcelona’s superstar for 14 years, helping them win an astonishing 38 major trophies, including 10 league titles and four Champions Leagues.
She peaked in 2021 and 2022, earning back-to-back Ballon d’Or accolades, before an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on the eve of Euro 2022 shook her.
The midfielder recovered in time to win the World Cup with Spain in 2023 and was part of the squad that finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.
In short, she had won it all and sources say she felt it was time for a change.
With her contract expiring at Barcelona, Putellas made the decision to leave and it is believed she always liked the idea of a move to the WSL.
That put London City Lionesses in the driving seat and they pursued her for some time despite competition from the majority of the world’s top clubs.
She had offers from England, Mexico and the United States, with sources close to the player stating Boston Legacy provided the stiffest competition.
However, it’s believed she admired US billionaire Kang’s ambitions for the women’s game, having been a long-standing rival to the owner’s successful French club Lyon.
There was a connection between Putellas and Kang, with sources close to the owner suggesting a business partnership beyond the midfielder’s playing career is likely to establish and flourish.
The Spaniard revealed on Wednesday the pair first met in Miami four years ago when they had dinner, and they discussed their vision for the game.
Putellas’ hopes were to join a club she could impact off the pitch, as well as on it, and to leave a legacy which will help grow the future of the game.
She has given up the chance of playing Champions League football this season – a huge decision for someone who captained Barcelona to victory in 2026.
But it is in London City’s five-year plan to be competing for trophies and they hope to challenge for a European qualification spot in the WSL this season.
With a World Cup looming next year, Putellas would have wanted to have been settled in 2027, with a three-year deal in Bromley securing her future.
