London City Lionesses explained: Michele Kang, Alexia Putellas and the pursuit of Champions League football

London City Lionesses are the Women’s Super League’s great unknown. A club modest in size, with flashy budgets and ambitions well beyond what would reasonably be considered possible for a side only promoted to the top flight 12 months ago.

Their prospects for the upcoming season are therefore difficult to predict. Billionaire owner Michele Kang has been clear in her intent. She wants Champions League football and has enlisted a group of megastars from across Europe to help her do it.

But such a mission is far from straightforward. It’s been 12 years since any side other than Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd finished inside the top three. Since the WSL’s inception, in fact, only four clubs have ever won the title.

So, what makes London City Lionesses’ bid any different?

Counter-culture or genuine contenders?

It would be unfair to reduce a club backed by a corporate giant to a counter-culture. That implies something short-lived. But it’s clear Kang wants to disrupt the established order in the WSL.

Similar questions were being asked when Man City entered women’s football a decade-and-a-half ago, and now they are a firm fixture of the top three. The latest champions to be crowned.

Kang is trying to repeat the same success, but doing so in 2026 requires a completely different model. Investing in star players is only part of the plan; money is being put into the training ground, youth setup and commercial arms of the club.

The current clubs at the top of the pyramid will be watching to see what works and what doesn’t down in Bromley. There is enough reason for the them to pay attention to developments, if not yet show major concern.

Will the money keep flowing?

Initially, investment came directly from Kang’s pocket. She insists, however, she is hiring the best commercial brains in the business to increase revenues and make the model sustainable.

London City can spend up to 80 per cent of revenue on their squad, plus another £4m from the hand of their generous owner.

The hope is the buzz around new signings puts bums on seats, but also drives sponsorship opportunities, shirt sales and opens other revenue-enhancing avenues. Alexia Putellas and Mary Earps are names that will push those efforts forward.

Kang is in this for the long-term. She is more than willing to keep investing but is also realistic about needing to see more money come into the club as it continues to grow. And growth will have to be managed differently from others.

London City do not have the luxury of drawing fans from the supporter pool of a men’s club, like Arsenal have done so effectively. They are going to have to get creative to entice big crowds.

What does this model mean for the WSL?

That rests largely on how successful London City are this season – and beyond. Chelsea have been the biggest spenders in recent years and won six out of the last seven titles. The maths is quite simple.

Most clubs make operating losses. London’s City’s latest accounts revealed theirs to be £10.6m in 2024/25. The scale of spending this summer will make for interesting reading when their next set of financials are revealed.

But, if London City go on to have a stellar season, perhaps even win a trophy, then does it not just confirm the old adage of the more you spend the higher the chances are of winning?

Do world-class individuals equal a proper team?

This is the fun bit – who knows how all these big-name stars will come together under one roof? Upon signing, it’s clear they have all be united by the female-led approach of Kang. But that does not guarantee a unified team capable of beating the best.

They have signed household names but Earps, Putellas, Mapi Leon, Kadidiatou Diani, Nikita Parris, Danielle van de Donk, Alanna Kennedy, Saki Kumagai, Kosovare Asllani and Elena Linari are all over the age of 30.

No European football means their legs can be well rested but football isn’t won with just talent and experience.

The Bromley Glacticos could exhilarate. They might underwhelm. And that is where the proper intrigue lies. Who truly knows?

How does Putellas factor?

It’s difficult to downplay the importance of Putellas both on and off the field. She is the current Ballon D’Or favourite and was voted the best player in the Champions League last season.

Teams will naturally target her. Plans will be made to reduce her influence on games. Even if they manage it, though, other star players lie in wait. Just stopping Putellas is not a fail-safe.

The 32-year-old’s mentality is almost unmatched, too. You only need a few minutes with her to feel the determination and drive for success. She raises standards simply by being there. Starring in games is a byproduct of that perfectionism.

Plus, she is one of the most commercially popular players on the planet. She changes every single department at a club whose journey is only entering its second term in the top flight.

What about the manager?

Eder Maestre is under the most pressure of anyone at the club.

The club ditched Jocelyn Precheur, a coach with UWCL and French Cup-winning experience, before Christmas last season.

They went for a Spanish coach known for his technical ability and track record of making players better.

The one thing Maestre lacks, though, is experience at a big club. If he doesn’t get things moving in the right direction quickly then expect every coach with a stacked medal cabinet to be sending their CVs to Kang for consideration.

Any potholes?

London City have lots of exciting talent. Some approaching the end of their careers, but others just beginning. Those include Freya Godfrey, Lucia Corrales and Isa Kaardinal.

One obvious problem will be balancing the needs of the squad while keeping everyone happy and motivated. Are veteran players going to be content sitting on the bench for weeks at a time?

Every rival wants to beat London City this season to show they are nothing more than an expensive flash in the pan. Winning week-in, week-out against such resistance won’t be easy. Teams are intent on putting London City in their place.

Also, this has to work quickly. They do not play any of last season’s top three until matchweek eight, which is a favourable start. Maestre has a chance to establish some early rhythm before meeting the big guns. Pressure to perform during such a kind run will be immense.

Watch London City vs Man Utd live on Sky Sports Football on Friday; kick-off 7pm

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