London City Lionesses agree deals to sign Mary Earps and Mapi Leon
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps and Spain defender Mapi Leon are poised to join London City Lionesses this summer after agreeing terms with the Women’s Super League club.
The ambitious double swoop demonstrates the immense financial backing provided by American businesswoman Michele Kang following the team’s sixth-place finish in their debut top-flight campaign.
Contracts for both international stars are expected to be signed later this month as the transfer window intensifies.
Return of a Lioness
The expected arrival of the 33-year-old shot-stopper marks a high-profile return to English football following a two-year spell in France.
During her time with Paris St-Germain, the two-time Fifa Best Goalkeeper of the Year made 22 league appearances and kept 12 clean sheets.
She previously spent five successful years at Manchester United, making over a century of appearances and helping secure their maiden Women’s FA Cup triumph.
The Euro 2022 winner will undoubtedly bring vital tournament experience to the ambitious London outfit ahead of the new season.
Defensive reinforcements
Meanwhile, the acquisition of the highly decorated Spanish centre-back represents a significant coup for the rapidly expanding WSL side.
The 30-year-old recently departed Barcelona having amassed an incredible 27 trophies during a dominant nine-year spell.
Her impressive haul includes four Champions League titles, culminating in a starting role during this season’s comprehensive final victory over Lyon.
The former Catalan star brings elite pedigree, having earned 54 caps for her country despite a high-profile three-year boycott over working conditions.
Unprecedented market movements
These landmark additions could be just the beginning of an extraordinary recruitment drive, with the Lionesses actively pursuing two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
The Spanish midfield maestro announced her departure from Barcelona last week, sparking intense speculation regarding her next destination.
Across the league, a significant reshuffle is under way as several elite talents prepare to switch allegiances.
Australia captain Sam Kerr is available as a free agent following her Chelsea exit, while the Blues look poised to capture versatile Arsenal defender Katie McCabe.
Elsewhere, Manchester City are leading the race for former Gunners forward Beth Mead, with Arsenal simultaneously targeting Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway and Barcelona’s Ona Batlle.