Writers’ projected finish: 4th (Note: this ranking reflects the average selection from the panel rather than Suzanne Wrack’s individual forecast)
Previous season’s finish: 6th
Outlook
Predicting how London City will perform this season, or where they might end up in the table, is extremely difficult. Owner Michele Kang has recruited eight players as part of her push toward the top of the Women’s Super League. The arrivals include several elite names, most notably two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
The league newcomers secured a credible sixth-place finish last season, although they ended the campaign 22 points behind the leading three clubs. Kang has shown that she is prepared to make tough decisions when results fall short of her standards. Despite beginning the 2025-26 season positively, manager Jocelyn Prêcheur was dismissed shortly before Christmas and succeeded by Eder Maestre.
Major squad overhauls have previously created difficulties for clubs attempting to enter the top three. London City will hope the quality of their new recruits allows the team to compete for Champions League qualification and eventually challenge for the title. Kang’s investment and ambition are clearly helping attract some of the world’s leading players to the WSL. Mapi León explained that every factor matters when making such a decision, adding that seeing a woman invest so heavily in the growth of women’s sport and football was both meaningful and powerful.
Chart displaying London City Lionesses’ league finishes across the previous five seasons
Situation away from the pitch
London City reported an operating loss of £10.6m in their 2024-25 accounts, reflecting the substantial investment made before their first WSL campaign. The impact of even greater spending this summer will appear in later financial reports. That loss was more than 10 times the £902,000 in revenue generated during the same period. Expanding the supporter base is now essential, and without an established men’s club following to rely on, London City must find creative ways to attract new fans.
The head coach
Maestre took charge in January after leading UD Tenerife to sixth place in Liga F. His agreement runs through 2028, but Kang’s demanding standards mean long-term security cannot be taken for granted. The 42-year-old has already altered London City’s style of play, and the latest additions may flourish within his tactical approach.
Marquee arrival
Mary Earps, León and Kadidiatou Diani have joined from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Lyonnes respectively, but Putellas’s arrival has made the greatest impact across the WSL. The 32-year-old spent 14 years with Barcelona, playing a central role in their rise to the summit of the women’s game and becoming one of the club’s defining figures. She remains an outstanding player and had offers from teams around the world after choosing to leave Spain. Securing her signature delivered a clear message about Kang’s ambitions.
Key statistics
Last season, London City recorded more Opta-classified defensive mistakes resulting in goals and gave away more penalties than any other WSL side. Elene Lete stopped one of those spot-kicks, but the defenders ahead of the 24-year-old goalkeeper must offer her greater protection.
Potential breakout player
With so many high-profile players arriving this summer, Nicole Anyomi has received less attention but could still make a major impact. She may be unfamiliar to many UK supporters because her entire club career has been spent in Germany. The forward registered 60 goals in 130 appearances during five years with Frankfurt and has also scored four times in 34 matches for Germany.
In their own words
“I will contribute whatever this project asks of me and give it my complete commitment. I am determined to win, improve every day and battle alongside my teammates for every victory” – Putellas
Where will they host their home matches?
With room for only 5,150 spectators, Hayes Lane in Bromley is not an ideal venue for a club with London City’s ambitions. Moving to a larger stadium remains a medium- to long-term objective, although suitable land in or near London is scarce. Before relocating, the club must first build a significantly larger following.
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