Free move: Wilde Burnley signing caps Lioness exit

Burnley have identified a shortage in defensive depth ahead of the new season and have turned to a free transfer to plug the gap, securing the Wilde Burnley signing of 22‑year‑old Maddi Wilde from the London City Lionesses, a former Lioness with Barclays WSL2 experience.

The transfer was confirmed on Burnley’s official website earlier today. It marks Wilde’s return to Barclays WSL2 football and underlines the club’s intent to strengthen the back line.

The Clarettes announced the signing via a post on their official club website earlier today. The announcement highlighted Wilde’s experience in the second tier of English women’s football.

Wilde, now 22, spent the last three seasons on the books at London City Lionesses. During that period she developed as a versatile defender in the Barclays WSL2.

She initially joined The Pride on loan from Bristol City in the 2023/2024 season. The following summer she signed permanently with London City Lionesses.

Wilde was part of the Barclays WSL2 winning squad with London City Lionesses in 2024/2025. Last season she struggled for minutes at The Copperjax Community Stadium and spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Celtic.

Now at Turf Moor, Wilde said, “I’m buzzing. It’s quite exciting to come into a completely new environment, a new place, and a new home.” She added that she hopes her game‑reading and creative approach will show on the pitch for Burnley.

Further Burnley squad news will be announced by the club in due course. The club expects the new signing to bolster its defensive options for the upcoming season.