Alexia Putellas is ready for the WSL
London City Lionesses' new signing on Michele Kang's project, life in England, and the warning she got from former Barcelona teammates.
Very few athletes have a legitimate “aura”. Not just in the context that young people on social media use, but in the reality of the presence they command in a room.
When Alexia Putellas was introduced for her first media appearance in London as a London City Lionesses player, her status as one of the greatest players women’s football has ever produced was communicated through stature alone.
Her 5’ 8” frame isn’t particularly tall in football terms, but she holds herself like a giant when standing alongside her new teammates.
Putellas’ arrival has been followed by the sort of media circus you would expect when a two-time Ballon d’Or winner switches clubs. But the former Barcelona great isn’t wrapped up in all the noise; she’s still dealing with the realities of moving, finding an apartment, exploring a new city and dealing with London traffic.
Perhaps, there is nothing like contending with the M25 to humble even the game’s biggest stars.
Having won it all in Barcelona, including four Champions League titles, what was the appeal to join a side that finished sixth in the WSL last season?
“Well, the first conversation was about what the club wants and how ambitious the project is”, says Putellas, speaking at London City’s pre-season media day. “I want to be part of that journey, bring the experience I have and, of course, learn as a player and make me more complete. I made the move for that and just being in other positions that I’ve never been in. In my opinion, this league can give me that”.
The WSL is known for being the most competitive league in Europe. Whilst Barcelona canter to the Liga F title every year and regularly score over 120 goals across the season, the WSL often sees a tight battle play out for Champions League spots and the league title.
Putellas says she is ready for what the WSL has in store, and expects every game to “push you to your limits”.
“It will be different, for sure”, she adds, “but that’s why I’m here because I’m looking forward to improving myself as a footballer, as a person as well.
“It’s kind of [about] being a more complete player, as much as I can. It’s about learning new things, playing with and against other players and just trying to find where my limits are. It will take time because, of course, it’s a new beginning and a big change for me. But I’m so excited to be here”.
Some of Putellas’ Spanish national team colleagues have also made the move to London, including fellow Barcelona star Mapi Leon. However, she jokes that it's her former Barcelona teammates Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze, both now at Chelsea, who have given her a heads-up of what’s to come in England.
“Well, some of them told me that it’s a hard league and they’re going to kick me”, she laughs. “But no problem, I’m ready for that, or I’m trying to be ready. No, I’m just joking.
“[They said] just enjoy the league because the games are crazy and even if you go to an away game, it’s something different, something special, and I’m ready to enjoy all that and ready for what the games will be for me and just helping my team and my teammates to achieve their goals”.
The Spanish star is one of several big names to arrive at London City this summer, including former England number one Mary Earps from Paris Saint-Germain and French forward Kadidiatou Diani from Lyon.
Head coach Eder Maestre has a huge challenge on his hands to blend this bloated squad of superstars — which already featured record-signing Grace Geyoro — and get them knocking on the door of the WSL elite.
Putellas has time to adjust to life in England before London City kick off their season against Manchester United on 4 September. She’s already tried an English breakfast as part of her cultural immersion. It gets a good review, apart from the baked beans.
Now her preparations turn to pre-season, where London City will face another Kang-owned club, Lyon, in a friendly fixture on 29 August.
The expectation will be that Putellas hits the ground running, and unlike Geyoro, who only managed one WSL goal last season, delivers on her reported £1-million-a-year salary.
For London City, Putellas’ move is as much about brand building as it is about sporting success. After all, wherever Putellas goes this season, a collection of cameras will be following.