Mary Earps Returns to the WSL in Blockbuster Signing for London City Lionesses
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has signed a two-year deal with the London City Lionesses, marking a high-profile return to English football and a massive statement of intent for the ambitious WSL club.
By Factlen Editorial Team
- London City Management
- Views the signing as a transformative milestone that proves the club's independent, heavily-invested model can attract the world's best players.
- The Player
- Sees the move as a welcome return to her home country and a chance to build a legacy with a club whose ambitious values match her own.
- WSL Analysts
- Considers the acquisition a massive statement of intent that elevates the league's competitiveness and puts traditional powerhouse clubs on notice.
What's not represented
- · Paris Saint-Germain Management
- · Rival WSL Club Managers
Why this matters
The signing signals a dramatic shift in the Women's Super League power dynamics. By attracting a global superstar, the independent London City Lionesses are proving they have the financial backing and ambition to challenge the historic dominance of clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
Key points
- Mary Earps has signed a two-year deal with London City Lionesses on a free transfer.
- The 33-year-old goalkeeper returns to England after spending two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain.
- Earps cited the club's ambitious vision and state-of-the-art training facilities as key reasons for joining.
- London City Lionesses are an independent club owned by American billionaire Michele Kang.
- The signing is viewed as a major statement of intent as the club looks to challenge the WSL's established elite.
Mary Earps is coming home. The iconic former England goalkeeper has officially signed a two-year contract with the London City Lionesses, securing a blockbuster return to the Women's Super League (WSL) that promises to shake up the English domestic game.[1][3]
The 33-year-old shot-stopper joins the capital club on a free transfer following the expiration of her contract with Paris Saint-Germain. Earps will officially link up with her new teammates on July 1, 2026, bringing an end to a two-year stint in the French capital that she recently admitted left her feeling somewhat disconnected from her massive UK fanbase.[1][4][7]
In a candid interview, Earps confessed that her time abroad made her feel as though people thought she had "vanished." Despite keeping 23 clean sheets in 57 appearances across all competitions for PSG, the club endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign, finishing third in the league and suffering an early exit in the Champions League group stages.[1][4][5]
Now, the two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper is eager to re-establish herself on familiar soil. "I'm over the moon to join this club and I'm really looking forward to it," Earps said in her official unveiling. "I feel the club aligns with what I stand for. I can't wait to get started and to get down to business. This is the first day of the next chapter."[4][6]
Her arrival is a massive coup for the London City Lionesses, an independent club that only debuted in the WSL top flight last season. Unburdened by affiliation with a men's Premier League side, the club is charting a unique path under the ownership of American billionaire Michele Kang, who is aggressively investing in infrastructure and elite talent.[2][7]
Her arrival is a massive coup for the London City Lionesses, an independent club that only debuted in the WSL top flight last season.
Kang's vision was a decisive factor for Earps, who retired from international duty in May 2025 after earning 53 caps and helping the Lionesses secure the Euro 2022 title. The goalkeeper praised the club's commitment to treating women's football as a premier, standalone business rather than a secondary operation.[3][6]
"The vision and ambition, including the new training facility, is incredible and I'm looking forward to seeing that develop," Earps explained. "It shows what our owner Michele and everyone at the club want to do in terms of really going for it. It's about putting a marker down and saying we want to be competitive in a short space of time."[5][6]
That marker is already sending ripples through the league. London City enjoyed a highly respectable debut season in the WSL, finishing comfortably mid-table in sixth place. However, the acquisition of a player of Earps' caliber—who previously won the Women's FA Cup and the WSL Golden Glove during her five-year tenure at Manchester United—signals that mid-table is no longer the ceiling.[2][6][7]
The club's ambitions do not stop at the goal line. Reports suggest London City are actively pursuing other global superstars, including Barcelona's elite defender Mapi León and Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas. If successful, these moves would instantly transform the Lionesses into genuine title contenders, disrupting the established hierarchy of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City.[1][3]
Beyond her undeniable talent on the pitch, Earps brings immense commercial and cultural value. As the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, her popularity transcends the sport. London City management hopes her presence will significantly boost matchday attendances and help the independent club build a fiercely loyal, dedicated fanbase.[1][5]
The WSL is widely regarded as one of the most fiercely competitive leagues in global women's football, a reality Earps is quick to acknowledge. "It won't be easy, the WSL is extremely competitive," she noted. "The team had a brilliant season finishing mid-table... now it's about climbing the table and working towards finishing as high as possible."[5][6][7]
For fans of the English game, the return of one of its most recognizable and beloved figures is a major victory. As London City Lionesses prepare for their sophomore season in the top flight, they do so with a proven winner guarding their net and a clear message to the rest of the league: they have arrived.[1][2]
How we got here
July 2022
Mary Earps plays a crucial role as England wins the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.
Summer 2024
Earps leaves Manchester United after five years to join Paris Saint-Germain.
May 2025
Earps announces her retirement from international football after earning 53 caps for England.
May 2026
Earps departs Paris Saint-Germain following the expiration of her contract.
June 19, 2026
London City Lionesses officially announce the signing of Earps on a two-year deal.
Viewpoints in depth
London City's Ambition
The club views this signing as proof that their independent model can attract global superstars.
For owner Michele Kang and the London City management, securing a player of Mary Earps' stature is a validation of their aggressive investment strategy. Unlike many WSL teams that rely on the financial backing of a men's Premier League counterpart, London City operates independently. By building state-of-the-art training facilities and offering a vision centered entirely on women's football, they are proving capable of luring top-tier talent. The club hopes this signing will serve as a catalyst, attracting both further elite players and a larger, dedicated fanbase to help them climb from mid-table to title contenders.
The Player's Homecoming
Earps sees the move as a chance to return to the spotlight in her home country and build a lasting legacy.
After two years in France where she admitted to feeling somewhat 'forgotten' by the English public, Earps was highly motivated to return to the WSL. She emphasized that London City's values and ambition perfectly aligned with her own desire to change the game positively. Having already won major honors with Manchester United and the national team, Earps views this new chapter not as a winding down of her career, but as an exciting project where her leadership and experience can directly elevate an emerging club to new heights.
League Impact
Analysts believe Earps' arrival significantly raises the competitive floor of the Women's Super League.
Football pundits and WSL analysts see this transfer as a warning shot to the league's traditional 'Big Three'—Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. The fact that a newly promoted, mid-table side can secure a two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper highlights the rapidly growing financial power and competitive parity within the WSL. Analysts note that Earps alone will likely save London City crucial points over the course of a season, making the race for European qualification spots far more fiercely contested than in previous years.
What we don't know
- Whether London City Lionesses will successfully secure their other high-profile transfer targets, such as Mapi León or Alexia Putellas.
- How quickly Earps will adapt to the club's specific playing style under their current management.
- If the club's massive investment in player wages and infrastructure will translate into immediate on-pitch success and Champions League qualification.
Key terms
- Women's Super League (WSL)
- The highest league of women's football in England, featuring top professional clubs.
- Free Transfer
- A move where a player joins a new club after their previous contract has expired, meaning the new club does not have to pay a transfer fee.
- Clean Sheet
- A match in which a goalkeeper and their team prevent the opposing side from scoring any goals.
- Golden Glove
- An award given to the goalkeeper who keeps the most clean sheets in a league or tournament over a single season.
Frequently asked
Who did Mary Earps play for before London City?
Earps spent the last two seasons playing for Paris Saint-Germain in France. Prior to that, she spent five years with Manchester United in the WSL.
How long is Mary Earps' new contract?
She has signed a two-year contract with the London City Lionesses, keeping her at the club until June 2028.
Who owns the London City Lionesses?
The club is owned by American billionaire businesswoman Michele Kang, who has been heavily investing in women's football infrastructure and talent.
Does Mary Earps still play for England?
No, Earps retired from international football in May 2025 after earning 53 caps for the Lionesses.
Sources
Source coverage
7 outlets
3 viewpoints surfaced
[1]The GuardianThe Player
‘People think I’ve vanished’: Mary Earps on signing for London City and feeling forgotten
Read on The Guardian →[2]GoalWSL Analysts
Ex-Man Utd goalkeeper signs two-year contract with WSL club after PSG departure
Read on Goal →[3]Sky SportsWSL Analysts
London City Lionesses have announced the signing of former England goalkeeper Mary Earps
Read on Sky Sports →[4]OneFootballThe Player
London City Lionesses complete the signing of Mary Earps
Read on OneFootball →[5]SportGrillWSL Analysts
London City Lionesses have signed Mary Earps on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain
Read on SportGrill →[6]London City LionessesLondon City Management
Mary Earps signs for London City Lionesses
Read on London City Lionesses →[7]The HeraldLondon City Management
Mary Earps to join London City Lionesses after Paris St Germain exit
Read on The Herald →
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