Earps & Leon poised to join London City Lionesses

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Mapi Leon (left) and Mary Earps (right) faced each other in the Euro 2022 quarter-finals By Emma Sanders BBC Sport women’s football news reporter Published 6 minutes ago Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has agreed personal terms to join London City Lionesses this summer. It is understood the Women's Super League club also have a verbal agreement in place to sign Spain defender Mapi Leon, who left Barcelona last month after nine years there. Both players are expected to sign contracts this month, according to sources, as London City Lionesses set about demonstrating their summer ambition in the WSL transfer window. Earps' expected return to England would be a high-profile move, having earned numerous individual accolades during a successful international career. The 33-year-old is set to join from Paris St-Germain at the end of her contract following two years in France. She made 22 appearances in the Premiere Ligue this season, keeping 12 clean sheets as PSG finished third - 13 points behind champions Lyon. The two-time Fifa Best Goalkeeper of the Year award winner played a crucial role in England's victory at Euro 2022 and their route to the 2023 World Cup final. She spent five years at Manchester United, making more than 100 appearances, and helped them win their first major trophy in 2024 as they lifted the Women's FA Cup. Spain international Leon has recently left Barcelona, where she won 27 trophies as part of one of Europe's most successful teams. The 30-year-old won four Champions League titles at Barcelona, including this season's edition. She started in their 4-0 win over Lyon in the final. Leon has made 54 appearances for Spain but boycotted the national team for almost three years alongside several team-mates because of disagreements over working conditions and a falling-out with the Spanish Football Federation, which began in 2022. She withdrew from selection for the 2023 Women's World Cup as Spain went on to beat England in the final. The centre-back returned in October 2025 and started the Nations League final a month later as Spain beat Germany 3-0. London City Lionesses, who are backed by American businesswoman Michele Kang, finished sixth in their first season in the WSL. They could have an extraordinary summer as they are also continuing to pursue two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas. Last week, Putellas, 32, announced she is to leave Barcelona after 14 years. Putellas' decision on her future promises to be the biggest news of the summer transfer window, while a number of high-profile players are switching clubs. Australia captain Sam Kerr is available on a free deal following her exit from Chelsea, while the Blues are set to sign Arsenal's versatile defender Katie McCabe. Manchester City are favourites to bring in England forward Beth Mead following her Arsenal exit and have also been linked with a move for Chelsea's Niamh Charles. Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to sign England