Newly promoted Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses are preparing for a landmark transfer window, with former England goalkeeper Mary Earps and Spanish defender Mapi León both reportedly nearing moves to the club.
Sources indicate that Earps has agreed personal terms ahead of a return to English football, while the Lionesses also have a verbal agreement in place for León following her departure from FC Barcelona Femení.
Both deals are expected to be finalized this month as the club signals its intent to establish itself among the elite in the Women’s Super League.
Earps Set for England Return
Earps, 33, is expected to join from Paris Saint-Germain Féminine upon the expiration of her contract.
The two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper enjoyed another strong campaign in France, making 22 league appearances and keeping 12 clean sheets as PSG finished third in the league standings.
Widely regarded as one of England’s greatest goalkeepers, Earps played a pivotal role in the Lionesses’ triumph at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and their run to the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Before moving to France, she spent five successful years at Manchester United Women, making over 100 appearances and helping the club secure its first major trophy with victory in the Women’s FA Cup.
León Brings Elite European Experience
The arrival of León would represent another major statement by London City.
The Spanish international recently ended a glittering nine-year spell at Barcelona, where she won 27 trophies and established herself as one of Europe’s premier defenders.
During her time in Catalonia, León helped Barcelona capture four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, including this season’s triumph, and was a cornerstone of one of the most dominant teams in women’s football history.
The 30-year-old has earned more than 50 caps for Spain and returned to international duty in 2025 after a lengthy absence linked to disputes over conditions within the national team setup.
Putellas Also on the Radar
London City’s ambitions may not stop there.
The club remains interested in signing two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who recently announced her departure from Barcelona after 14 years with the club.
Securing Putellas would rank among the most significant transfers in Women’s Super League history and further underline the growing influence of owner Michele Kang, whose investment is helping transform the club’s ambitions.
Major Moves Across Women’s Football
The summer transfer market is already producing several high-profile storylines across Europe.
Australia captain Sam Kerr is available on a free transfer following her Chelsea exit, while Chelsea Women are reportedly moving for Katie McCabe from Arsenal Women.
Elsewhere, Manchester City Women are said to be leading the race for England forward Beth Mead and have also been linked with Niamh Charles.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are reportedly close to signing Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich Women and Spanish defender Ona Batlle from Barcelona.
With several of the game’s biggest names on the move, the Women’s Super League is shaping up for one of its most exciting and competitive seasons yet.
