Mary Earps Returns to WSL in Blockbuster Signing for Independent London City Lionesses

Mary Earps, the iconic former England goalkeeper and two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper, has officially signed a two-year contract with the London City Lionesses. The blockbuster move brings one of the sport's most recognizable figures back to the Women's Super League (WSL) following a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain in France.[1][2]

The signing represents a massive statement of intent from the Lionesses, the only fully independent women's club in England's top flight. Earps, 33, will officially join the squad on July 1, bolstering a team that is aggressively looking to disrupt the established hierarchy of clubs affiliated with men's Premier League giants.[2][3]

"I'm over the moon to join this club and I'm really looking forward to it," Earps said in the official announcement. She emphasized that the organization's vision, particularly its commitment to changing the women's game in a positive way, aligned perfectly with her own ambitions for the next chapter of her career.[1][4]

The acquisition is a major victory for Michele Kang, the American billionaire who purchased the Lionesses in December 2023. Kang's multi-club ownership group, Kynisca—which also controls the NWSL's Washington Spirit and France's OL Lyonnes—has prioritized heavy investment in female-centric infrastructure and high-profile talent to prove the commercial viability of independent women's teams.[1][5]

That financial commitment has been substantial. Kang recently injected £12.5 million into the London City Lionesses to fund the club's growth, which includes plans for a state-of-the-art training complex in Kent. This backing has allowed the club to operate with unprecedented ambition in the transfer market.[5]

Earps' arrival is expected to be part of a broader summer recruitment drive. The Lionesses have also been heavily linked with other global superstars, including former Barcelona defender Mapi Leon, as the club looks to build on a highly successful 2025-26 campaign where they finished sixth in their debut WSL season.[3][4]

For Earps, the transfer marks a return to familiar territory, having previously spent five standout seasons with Manchester United before her move to Paris. During her time in England, she won the WSL Golden Glove and helped United secure their first major trophy, the Women's FA Cup, in 2024.[2][3]

Her international pedigree is equally formidable. Earps was a cornerstone of the England squad that won the 2022 European Championship and reached the 2023 World Cup final. She retired from international duty in May 2025 with 53 caps, choosing to focus entirely on her club career.[2][4]

Despite her glittering resume, Earps acknowledged the steep challenge ahead. The WSL remains fiercely competitive, and pushing an independent club into the Champions League qualification spots will require overcoming established powerhouses like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City.[4]

"The team had a brilliant 2025-26 season finishing mid-table in their first season, now it's about climbing the table and working towards finishing as high as possible," Earps noted. She added that she still has "so much left to give to the game," which drove her decision to embrace the London City project.[2][4]

Beyond the pitch, Earps has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her high-profile career, recently admitting she wasn't entirely sure if she was ready to step back into the intense spotlight of English football. However, the unique culture and support system promised by the Lionesses' independent model ultimately won her over.[6]

The ripple effects of this transfer will likely be felt across the league. By successfully luring a player of Earps' caliber without the backing of a men's Premier League brand, the London City Lionesses are proving that dedicated investment in women's sports can create a compelling destination for the world's best talent.[3][5]