Alexia Putellas transfer: Barcelona and Spain star completes Women’s Super League move – why London City Lionesses? | Football news

London City Lionesses made a stunning bid for Alexia Putellas earlier this summer, and finally, the deal has been done. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner is his. How did they manage to pull off one of the biggest shocks of the summer – or did they?

All major questions are answered by Sky Sports News’ expert Anton Toloui…

Why did Puellas leave Barca?

The 32-year-old has won everything club football has to offer at Barcelona. No stone was left unturned, no contest was unconquered.

Puellas has won the Champions League four times and won the Liga F title ten times. In his final season, he won a quadruple. The opportunity to take on a new football challenge while his status as one of the game’s MVPs is still intact will be a very difficult one. Oh, and don’t forget the money.

Puellas’ popularity and popularity means there is plenty of money to be made. The contracts offered by many suitors were more than what was set by Barcelona, ​​and there are new commercial methods to explore overseas.

Puellas’ international appeal makes him an attractive asset to any prospective club. Consider sales opportunities. Shirt sales will explode. And, for the player himself, the move represents an opportunity to introduce the Puellas brand to the UK market. You are a big deal and you know it.

Who tried to sign him?

Three practical proposals were on the table. Clubs in the NWSL were interested for obvious reasons.

But a big-money contract was offered by up-and-coming London City, which was deemed too good to turn down.

She will be joining the list of high-profile names already on the books of Michele Kang’s growing business, notably Mary Earps, Kosovare Asllani and Grace Geyoro – with more to come.

At 32, how good is Puellas?

It’s fair to say it took the midfield maestro a while to return to top form after injuring his ACL just before the 2022 European Championships, but Alexia has been the beating heart of Barcelona’s all-conquering side this season.

Her title, “La Reina”, which translates from Spanish as the queen, is well earned. He is adored by Barcelona fans and respected by many football fans.

The Catalonian is favorite to beat former team-mate Aitana Bonmati to claim his third Ballon d’Or this autumn and has been named this year’s Champions League player of the season. He was also the catalyst when Barcelona won their first European title in 2021.

For the uninitiated, you only need to watch his professional performance against England in early June to understand his impact on the game. He ran through the Lionesses midfield, scoring twice as Spain won 4-0. A proper baller.

What is London City strategy?

The answer to this can be divided into two words: Money and ambition.

London City have the means and motivation to match or better any deal offered to players that they deem fit their model. Consider Bunny Shaw’s £30k-a-week contract at Manchester City; Puellas’ deal will be in that ballpark.

For a team that just finished its first season in the WSL, the stats look amazing. But backed by Kang, London City mean business. This signing is meant to make a splash.

The club wants to accelerate its way to Champions League football and has a bold plan to do so. Puellas believes in the project and will be richly rewarded for that blind faith. Only time will tell if such courage can or will produce the desired result.

How can they afford all this?

London City have already secured Earps’ signature this summer. They plan to speak with Barcelona and Spain defender Mapi Leon. French sensation Geyoro is on the books, too.

The question that will be asked is how the Lions can afford such a high caliber talent catalog.

However, the WSL rules that national clubs can spend up to 80 per cent and an extra £4m on player wages.

Even with that extra wiggle room, he’ll be close to the cap. Their next set of books will be closely scrutinized by competitors to ensure they are compatible. Such power to operate without the influence of traditional football – independent of the men’s club – makes it a complete paradox.

They are still the only independent professional women’s club in England’s top two divisions.

How much of a WSL coup is Puellas?

Make no mistake: This is the biggest signing in WSL history. Only three female players have ever won the Ballon d’Or and none of them have played for England.

The Puellas brand brings wealth of lineage, but also reliability. Introduce WSL as i destination league. A hotbed of women’s soccer talent.

Puellas currently stars in commercials alongside David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Steve Carrell; he brings eyeballs to a level never seen before.

There is no doubt that fans will flock to see the great player in the flesh. Businesses will claim the rights to be associated with iconic faces that have graced the Camp Nou.

And most importantly, from a playing point of view, you improve any team by a huge amount – especially one that has a lot of development to do. London City, who finished sixth last season, are confident their influence will be enough to upset the league’s top three.

This is a club that wants to find itself at the top of the English game. A top signing like this undoubtedly puts them close.