London City Lionesses confirm the signing of Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, following her departure from Barcelona. Multiple outlets describe the move as a major addition for the Women’s Super League and note that Putellas was available as a free agent after ending her contract with the Spanish club. Putellas, 32, spent 14 seasons at Barcelona and is credited with helping the team win four Women’s Champions League titles during that period, with one source noting Barcelona’s recent European success. BBC reports the deal as a three-year contract, while other coverage frames the transfer as completed on a free transfer after she left Barcelona at the end of the season. The Guardian also mentions that the announcement took place at an event in New York and that other signings include Mary Earps and Nicole Anyomi. The Independent and other outlets characterize the signing as a significant statement of intent by the WSL club, backed by owner Michele Kang. Putellas’s move brings a long-established Spain international into English football after a lengthy tenure with one of Europe’s top women’s sides.