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Emily Keogh
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Emily Keogh
Correspondent
- Based in London, Emily Keogh serves as ESPN’s women’s soccer correspondent, focusing on the WSL and UWCL.
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Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has reached a deal with the London City Lionesses, multiple sources told ESPN, after her departure from Barcelona after 14 years.
After deciding to conclude her time in Spain, Putellas received various offers, including from the NWSL; however, London City consistently emerged as the front runners to secure her signature.
Her decision to join London City was influenced by her desire to remain in Europe, stay close to home, and avoid facing Barcelona regularly, sources shared.
London City’s owner, Michele Kang, has ambitious plans for the club and aims to see her London team—also owning OL Lyonnes in France and Washington Spirit in the NWSL)—competing in the Champions League.
Barcelona, as four-time Champions League winners and consistent Liga F champions, is expected to remain a strong competitor, potentially setting the stage for a future matchup between the clubs.
London City finished their inaugural season in the league ranked sixth, with only the top three teams qualifying for European competition.
The club is still developing and aspires to excel in both titles and as a competitor in women’s football, including plans for a top-notch training facility, an appealing prospect for Putellas, according to sources at London City.
Sources also indicated to ESPN that London City is aiming to sign Putellas’s former Barcelona teammate, defender Mapi León.
Furthermore, it’s reported that Putellas aims to prepare for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games within a high-level environment while challenging herself outside her comfort zone.
The 32-year-old concluded her time with Barcelona after clinching a second quadruple last season, finishing with a remarkable tally of 21 goals and 13 assists across 42 appearances in all competitions.
With 232 career goals, she is the leading scorer in the history of the women’s team and the second-highest scorer across both the men’s and women’s teams, trailing only Lionel Messi (672).
Her outstanding performances helped her secure the Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022, years in which she was also recognized as The Best FIFA Women’s Player.
Additionally, she won the World Cup with Spain in 2023.