Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has reached an agreement on personal terms to join the London City Lionesses this summer.
Additionally, it is reported that the Women’s Super League club has a verbal agreement to recruit Spain defender Mapi Leon, who departed Barcelona last month after a successful nine-year tenure.
Sources indicate that both players are expected to finalize their contracts within this month, as London City Lionesses aim to showcase their ambitions in the WSL transfer window.
Earps’ anticipated return to England is a significant move, as she has garnered multiple individual accolades during her impressive international career.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper is set to transfer from Paris St-Germain, concluding a two-year stint in France.
This past season, she made 22 appearances in Ligue 1, achieving 12 clean sheets while PSG finished third, 13 points behind champions Lyon.
The two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year played a key role in England’s triumph at Euro 2022 and their journey to the 2023 World Cup final.
During her five years with Manchester United, Earps made over 100 appearances and was integral in securing the club’s first major trophy in 2024 when they won the Women’s FA Cup.
Spanish international Leon recently left Barcelona after winning an impressive 27 trophies during her time with one of Europe’s top teams.
The 30-year-old has won four Champions League titles with Barcelona, including this season’s trophy, where she played a part in their 4-0 victory over Lyon in the final.
Leon has represented Spain in 54 matches, but she boycotted the national team for nearly three years due to disputes over working conditions and conflicts with the Spanish Football Federation, which began in 2022.
She opted out of selection for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, during which Spain won the championship against England.
After her return in October 2025, she played in the Nations League final a month later as Spain overcame Germany 3-0.
Backed by American businesswoman Michele Kang, the London City Lionesses finished sixth in their inaugural WSL season.
This summer could prove extraordinary for the team, as they are also aiming to sign two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
Last week, Putellas, 32, confirmed her departure from Barcelona after 14 years.
Her choice regarding her future is expected to be a major headline in this summer’s transfer window, during a period when many prominent players are changing teams.
Australia captain Sam Kerr is now available on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea, while the Blues are set to finalize a deal for Arsenal’s Katie McCabe.
Manchester City are reportedly in the running to acquire Beth Mead following her exit from Arsenal, and they have also shown interest in Chelsea’s Niamh Charles.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is on the verge of signing England midfielder Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich and is also close to securing Spain defender Ona Batlle from Barcelona.