The 32-year-old Putellas spent 14 years at Barcelona, helping them to the top of the women's game, and is far from past her prime. Her recruitment is a statement of intent from London City's owner, Michele Kang, who has been ruthless in her expectations, as seen in the sacking of manager Jocelyn Prêcheur shortly before Christmas and her replacement by Eder Maestre. The WSL debutants finished sixth last season, but were 22 points adrift of the top three.

The influx of superstar names, including Putellas, Mary Earps, León, and Kadidiatou Diani, has raised hopes that London City can develop into a side capable of securing Champions League football and challenging for the league. Maestre's contract runs until 2028, but he cannot rest on that given Kang's high expectations. The 42-year-old has shifted the way London City play, and a host of new signings could prove fruitful in his system.

London City's accounts for 2024-25 showed an operating loss of £10.6m, and the effect of their big spending before their first season in the WSL, and even bigger spending this summer, will show in future filings. The 2024-25 loss was more than 10 times their £902,000 revenue in that period. Critically, there is a need to grow the fanbase, and with no men's club supporter pool to draw from, London City will have to be inventive.

The team will play their home games at Hayes Lane in Bromley, which is far from an ideal ground for such an ambitious club given the 5,150 capacity. The medium- to long-term goal is to upsize, but space for a ground in and around London is limited. Before any move, however, London City need to increase their fanbase.