London City Lionesses sign Leon following Barcelona exit

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ShareLondon City Lionesses' remarkable summer transfer window continued on Monday, with Mapi Leon joining them on a free transfer.Mapi Leon has followed in Alexia Putellas' footsteps in swapping Barcelona for Women's Super League side London City Lionesses. Leon has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with London City following the expiration of her contract at Barcelona, which ended nine successful years in Spain. The 31-year-old made 309 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona since joining them from Atletico Madrid in 2017, and she went on to win 27 major honours. She won the Liga F title seven times as well as four Women's Champions League crowns, starting the 2025-26 final when they thumped Lyon 4-0 in Oslo. Leon marks another sensational signing for London City, who finished sixth in their maiden campaign in the WSL. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas and former England goalkeeper Mary Earps have also already joined, alongside Nicole Anyomi and Janni Thomsen."I'm excited and happy to be here. It's an interesting and attractive project. I have seen what is being built and what is taking shape," Leon told the club's website."I played in Spain for many years and I felt now was the right time to move given the project. The English league is helping women's football grow."I wanted to test myself in another country, another league, playing a different type of football."Leon also brings with her a wealth of international experience. She has represented Spain 61 times and helped them win the Women's Nations League last year. London City, who are backed by billionaire owner Michele Kang, have aspirations of challenging for European qualification next season. "[Kang] is an inspirational woman who wants women's football to develop and thrive," Leon added.  "Of course, I want to be part of something like this, a club which has been created for women," added Leon."My team-mates will help me settle into the new environment and I hope my experience and leadership can help the team this season."I want to keep winning and still have the determination to be able to achieve this. Hopefully we can do this with London City Lionesses."London City Lionesses' remarkable summer transfer window continued on Monday, with Mapi Leon joining them on a free transfer.Mapi Leon has followed in Alexia Putellas' footsteps in swapping Barcelona for Women's Super League side London City Lionesses. Leon has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with London City following the expiration of her contract at Barcelona, which ended nine successful years in Spain. The 31-year-old made 309 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona since joining them from Atletico Madrid in 2017, and she went on to win 27 major honours. She won the Liga F title seven times as well as four Women's Champions League crowns, starting the 2025-26 final when they thumped Lyon 4-0 in Oslo. Leon marks another sensational signing for London City, who finished sixth in their maiden campaign in the WSL. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas and former England goalkeeper Mary Earps have also already joined, alongside Nicole Anyomi and Janni Thomsen."I'm excited and happy to be here. It's an interesting and attractive project. I have seen what is being built and what is taking shape," Leon told the club's website."I played in Spain for many years and I felt now was the right time to move given the project. The English league is helping women's football grow."I wanted to test myself in another country, another league, playing a different type of football."Leon also brings with her a wealth of international experience. She has represented Spain 61 times and helped them win the Women's Nations League last year. London City, who are backed by billionaire owner Michele Kang, have aspirations of challenging for European qualification next season. "[Kang] is an inspirational woman who wants women's football to develop and thrive," Leon added.  "Of course, I want to be part of something like this, a club which has been created for women," added Leon."My team-mates will help me settle into the new environment and I hope my experience and leadership can help the team this season."I want to keep winning and still have the determination to be able to achieve this. Hopefully we can do this with London City Lionesses."