Mary Earps Returns to WSL, Signs Two-Year Deal With London City Lionesses

One of the most recognizable figures in women's football is making her highly anticipated return to English shores. Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has officially signed a two-year contract with the London City Lionesses, marking her return to the Women's Super League (WSL) after a two-year stint in France. The 33-year-old shot-stopper joins the capital club on a free transfer following the expiration of her contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The move represents a massive coup for the Lionesses, an independent club that has rapidly ascended the ranks of English football and is now signaling its intent to challenge the established elite.[1][4]

Earps' contract will officially commence on July 1, tying her to the London club until the summer of 2028. The announcement ends months of speculation regarding her future, with several top European clubs reportedly vying for her signature. In a statement released by the club, Earps expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting that the organization's ethos played a pivotal role in her decision. "I'm over the moon to join this club and I'm really looking forward to it," she said, emphasizing that the Lionesses align perfectly with her personal and professional values.[2][5]

The transfer underscores the profound ambition of London City Lionesses owner Michele Kang. The American businesswoman has been vocal about her desire to build a global powerhouse in women's football, and securing a two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper is a definitive statement of intent. Earps highlighted Kang's vision as a major draw, specifically pointing to the club's investment in a state-of-the-art training facility. According to Earps, the infrastructure and the ownership's willingness to "really go for it" convinced her that London City was the ideal destination for the next chapter of her career.[1][6]

For the Lionesses, the acquisition of Earps arrives at a critical juncture in their development. The club enjoyed a highly respectable debut season in the WSL last year, finishing mid-table in sixth place. However, the management has made it clear that survival is no longer the objective; they intend to climb the table and compete for major trophies. Earps acknowledged the steep challenge ahead, noting that the WSL remains one of the most fiercely competitive leagues in the world, but expressed confidence in the team's collective goals.[2][3]

Earps' departure from Paris Saint-Germain concludes a mixed two-year chapter in the French capital. While she maintained an impressive individual record—keeping 23 clean sheets across 57 appearances in all competitions—the team struggled to meet its lofty expectations. Last season, PSG finished an underwhelming third in the domestic league and suffered a disastrous Champions League campaign, crashing out in the group stage. The lack of collective silverware in Paris reportedly fueled Earps' desire to return to an environment where she could be a central figure in a rising project.[3][5]

Before her move to France, Earps had firmly established herself as a titan of the English domestic game during a highly successful five-year tenure with Manchester United. Racking up over 100 appearances for the Red Devils, she became the bedrock of their defense, winning the WSL Golden Glove and helping the club secure Champions League qualification. Her time in Manchester culminated in lifting the Women's FA Cup in 2024, the club's first major piece of silverware, cementing her legacy as one of the division's premier goalkeepers.[4][6]

The transfer also comes a year after Earps closed the book on her glittering international career. In May 2025, she announced her retirement from the England national team in a shock decision just five weeks before the European Championships, having lost her starting position to Hannah Hampton. Earps departed the international stage with 53 caps, leaving behind a legacy defined by her crucial role in the Lionesses' historic Euro 2022 triumph and their run to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final, where she won the tournament's Golden Glove.[4][5]

Beyond her on-pitch accolades, Earps brings an immense commercial and cultural footprint to London City. Crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, she remains one of the most popular and marketable athletes in the United Kingdom. The Lionesses' management is acutely aware of her off-pitch value, hoping her arrival will significantly boost the independent club's fanbase, drive ticket sales, and elevate their profile in a crowded London sports market dominated by legacy clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea.[1][3]

The broader implications for the Women's Super League are substantial. Historically, the division has been dominated by clubs affiliated with wealthy men's Premier League teams, which benefit from shared infrastructure and massive financial backing. London City's ability to lure a player of Earps' caliber proves that independent women's clubs, when backed by targeted investment and a clear strategic vision, can successfully compete in the global transfer market. It sets a new precedent for how teams can build competitive rosters outside the traditional football hierarchy.[1][2]

As Earps prepares to integrate with her new teammates and coaching staff, the expectations surrounding London City have undeniably shifted. The club is no longer viewed merely as a plucky newly-promoted side, but as a legitimate disruptor capable of challenging the status quo. For Earps, who has repeatedly stated she still has "so much left to give to the game," the upcoming season offers a unique opportunity to build something from the ground up and prove that her elite pedigree can elevate an ambitious challenger into a genuine contender.[3][5]