Kolkata: London City Lionesses have made their eight signing of the summer. Daniela Arques arrives from sporting CP on a three-year deal. She becomes the club’s third spanish addition since may, following two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and her former teammate from FC Barcelona, Mapi Leon, both signed as free agents. the club has also brought in some of the biggest names in women’s football including Mary Earps and Kadidiatou Diani, building one of the strongest squads in the Women’s Super League on paper, something few newly promoted clubs have ever managed.
Just two years ago London City Lionesses were still fighting for promotion out of England’s second division, only a few thousand fans watched them play at a small stadium they share with a lower-league men’s team.
The club was formed in May 2019, breaking away from Millwall Lionesses to become an independent club. American businesswoman Michele Kang, the owner of NWSL’s Washington Spirit, acquired London City Lionesses in December 2023. She also owns the majority of Lyon, the club with the most Women’s Champions League titles. Her goal is to build successful women’s football clubs, and her criteria for London City Lionesses was finding a club that is fully independent.
This summer has been a statement of intent, but just signing big names don’t make a powerhouse. London City finished mid-table in their debut WSL season, Champions League qualification depends on where they land in the table, not who’s on the team sheet. Barcelona and OL Lyonnes became powerhouses through years of academy investment and sustained success. It took them years to become as successful as they are today. London city is trying to compress that timeline using money and star power instead. The real question is whether a true powerhouse still has to be built over time.
London City Lionesses finished in the mid-table in their first WSL season just a few months ago. Now, before the new season has stated, many believe they can challenge for the league title. They begin the new season at home against Manchester United on 4 September. After a summer that has caught the attention of the football fans, all eyes will be on how this new-look team performs when the season gets underway.
