London City Lionesses target top‑four after Putellas and Earps join

London City Lionesses have bolstered their squad with England goalkeeper Mary Earps and two‑time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, joining a wave of high‑profile arrivals as the club sets its sights on a top‑four finish in the Women’s Super League.

Star signings underline ambition

A photograph by Catherine Ivill/ captures Putellas leading the influx of superstars, underscoring owner Michele Kang’s ambition to bridge the gap to the very best of the Women’s Super League.

Guardian writers, when asked to Prefer on Google, tipped the Lionesses to finish fourth this campaign (NB: the average tip places them fourth), while the team ended last season in sixth, 22 points adrift of the top three.

Trying to meet Kang’s high expectations, after a strong start to the 2025‑26 season, Jocelyn Prêcheur was sacked shortly before Christmas and replaced by Eder Maestre, whose contract runs until 2028, reflecting Kang’s ruthless expectations.

Financial reality and fanbase challenge

London City’s 2024‑25 accounts showed an operating loss of £10.6m, more than ten times its £902,000 revenue, highlighting the need to grow a fanbase without the support of a men’s club.

Mapi León said of the project: “Everything counts when you make this kind of a decision, and of course, she was an important part because seeing another woman doing so much to help women’s sports and women’s football grow, I think it’s impossible not to value that. I think it’s something very powerful.”

Among the newcomers, Nicole Anyomi arrives from Frankfurt with 60 goals in 130 games and four goals for Germany, while statistics show London City committed the most defensive errors and conceded the most penalties in the league last season, a challenge for 24‑year‑old goalkeeper Elene Lete.

Fans can pose questions to Suzanne Wrack on Friday 4 September at 1 pm during Guardian Conversations, offering a chance to gauge how the Lionesses’ ambitious spending will translate into on‑field success.