Which WSL club would suit Alexia Putellas best amid Barcelona exit speculation

Aug 27, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; FC Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas (11) during the second half against Bay FC at Paypal Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Alexia Putellas has been linked with an exit from Barcelona and the Spain star was in attendance at the London City Lionesses vs Manchester City match in the WSL on Sunday.

She was spotted in attendance at Hayes Lane in Bromley alongside Barcelona teammate Patricia Guijarro, with the likes of Beth Mead, Mariona Caldentey , Alyssa Thompson and Ellie Carpenter also in the stands.

TalkSPORT have reported that London City Lionesses could look to make a “landmark signing” in Putellas. However, if the two-time Ballon d’Or is set to leave Barcelona, London City won’t be the only interested side.

Therefore, SheKicks has taken a look at which WSL side Putellas would best suit.

Putellas was among the superstars to watch London City Lionesses in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

Michele Kang’s side have had an impressive debut season in the WSL season. This has largely been down to their impressive business in the transfer windows.

London City showed their ambition again with the recent signing of Delphine Cascarino .

A player of Putellas’ quality would make her the first name in the teamsheet in London City’s midfield. She would be the level of signing that could help push London City on to challenge the top clubs in the league.

However, London City need more than just Putellas to challenge for the title. She would also have to accept not playing in the Champions League next season.

For a player who regularly wins titles and contends for the Champions League, it would take some persuading to bring her to London City, despite the club’s lofty ambitions.

– Sunday, 25 January 2026

Renee Slegers’  side needs a refresh in midfield, after falling behind in the Women’s Super League title race.

Georgia Stanway is a likely contender to come in and take the defensive midfield spot, following confirmation of her Bayern Munich departure this summer .

Putellas could slot in a midfield three alongside Stanway and Spain teammate Mariona Caldentey .

Arsenal do seem a bit light in midfield and Victoria Pelova is one of many contracts that are expiring this summer.

Putellas would certainly add to Arsenal’s midfield, but Slegers could potentially prefer a younger signing, with Putellas turning 32 next month.

The reigning Women’s Super League champions are a side that you could not rule out in the pursuit of Alexia Putellas .

Chelsea are nine points behind Manchester City in the WSL title race, following their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal .

Should the Blues miss out on the WSL title, it would be no surprise to see them look to make some big signings in the summer transfer window. That is where Putellas could potentially slot in at Chelsea.

However, Chelsea already have a strong midfield with the likes of Keira Walsh, Erin Cuthbert and Wieke Kaptein.

Other positions need to be strengthened more. However, if the likes of Guru Reiten and Sjoeke Nusken leave Chelsea this summer, that could open up a spot for Putellas.

Manchester City are a club who if they come calling, could make Putellas consider a move.

However, the WSL league leaders don’t neccesarily need Putellas. City like to play with Vivianne Miedema behind striker Bunny Shaw.

January addition Sam Coffey, who made her debut against London City , is likely to start in midfield going forward alongside Yui Hasegawa.

So out of all the teams on this list, a move to Manchester City would make least sense for both player and club.

The final player on the list of WSL clubs that could look to sign Alexia Putellas is Manchester United.

United are a club that have looked to recruit experienced players in recent months with the additions of Lea Schuller, Julia Zigiotti Olme, and Fridolina Rolfo.

Putellas would be another player who could give United a lift if the Red Devils did pursue a move.

Although Putellas would start most games and improve United, it would be a surprise to see Marc Skinner’s side pursue a move for the Spaniard.

United already have a number of top midfield options, including Ella Toone, Jess Park, Olme and Hinata Miyazawa.

The Red Devils also have a fight on their hands to qualify for next season’s Champions League. With City comfortably at the top, it appears that Chelsea, Arsenal and United are fighting for the final two spots.

Putellas would slot into an Arsenal midfield alongside Spain teammate Mariona Caldentey . (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

It would be a surprise to see Putellas leave Barcelona after 14 years at the club.

Her contract expires this summer, but Barcelona reportedly hold a one-year option which they could look to take up.

There are also other European teams interested, with Paris Saint-Germain making an offer for Putellas during the summer window.

However, should Putellas join the WSL, the club that stands out would be Arsenal.

Arsenal could look to replicate Spain’s midfield, almost with Caldentey alongside Putellas, with the potential extra addition of Stanway. It would give Putellas the chance to compete for the WSL title and Champions League next season.

However, the London City Lionesses would also be a viable proposition if Putellas can wait for success.

Putellas could help push London City towards the top of the table in the coming years. Her former teammate Jana Fernandez, could look to tempt Putellas with a move, and the fact that London City are a standalone women’s team is something that new signings at the Lionesses speak about when they join.