Barcelona defender Mapi León is reportedly in discussions with the London City Lionesses regarding a possible transfer when her contract expires this summer, sources have informed ESPN.
León’s current contract with Barcelona is set to end in June. While the club is open to extending her stay, sources indicate they may not match the financial terms being offered by the English club.
If León departs, it would mark the second significant loss for Barcelona’s defense this summer, as full-back Ona Batlle is nearing a deal to join Arsenal as a free agent when her contract expires.
Alexia Putellas is another key player whose contract with Barcelona is set to end after this season.
As part of their ambitious plans under Michele Kang, the London City Lionesses have also expressed interest in signing the former Ballon d’Or winner Putellas.
However, they are one of around “seven or eight clubs across Europe, the United States, and Mexico” who are monitoring Putellas’ situation, although sources suggest her preference is to remain at Barcelona.
Last summer, following their promotion to the Women’s Super League, the London City Lionesses acquired Barça players Jana Fernández and Lucía Corrales.
At 30, León has been pivotal in Barcelona’s ascent as a powerhouse in women’s football over the past decade.
After transferring from Atlético Madrid in 2017, the Spain international has made over 200 appearances, securing seven Liga F titles and three Champions League trophies, among other accolades.
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Losing both León and Batlle this summer would necessitate defensive reinforcements for Barcelona ahead of the next season.
Young player Aïcha Cámara has stepped up admirably during León’s injury in February and March, but she is expected to be the long-term successor for Batlle.
That would leave Irene Paredes, who will turn 35 this summer, and Laia Aleixandri as the only seasoned central defenders in the first-team squad.
Despite the potential changes this summer, Barcelona continues to dominate on the pitch. They recently defeated Espanyol on Wednesday, securing their seventh consecutive league title, and they are set to play Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal this weekend.