London City Lionesses have wasted no time making their mark on the Women’s Super League (WSL). This summer alone, the club brought in 13 new signings, blending international experience with proven winners. Among them are England forward Nikita Parris, Netherlands star Danielle van de Donk, and Italian defender Elena Linari—three names that signal serious intent.
Another standout arrival is Jana Fernandez, the highly rated 23-year-old defender from Barcelona, further underlining the Lionesses’ growing pull in the European market.
For majority owner Michele Kang, this recruitment drive is more than squad strengthening—it’s a statement. Announcing Parris’ signing on X, the club declared: “We didn’t come to play.”
Head coach Sonia Bompastor’s successor, Precheur, now has a squad capable of competing in a league where survival and success are separated by the finest margins.
“These new players are essential for me on and off the pitch,” Precheur explained. “I’m very happy the club invested. With sporting director Markel Zubizarreta leading recruitment, we knew after the Birmingham game we needed to be stronger. We don’t want to repeat the same story as Bristol City or Crystal Palace. The gap between WSL2 and the WSL is huge.”
Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani also emphasized the importance of building a competitive culture:
“The biggest challenge is making this group play together. At the same time, we’re creating a culture of high standards, which wasn’t here when I arrived. Energy and talent are not enough—we need details, discipline, and the mentality of winners. That’s why experienced players like Nikita, Danielle, and Saki Kumagai are so crucial.”
With Kang’s investment, a strengthened backroom staff, and a roster brimming with international pedigree, the Lionesses now stand at the pinnacle of English women’s football.
But the defining question remains: can they survive their debut WSL season?
For Asllani, the answer is simple—and defiant:
“Yes. We’re a new team in the league, but not an inexperienced one. We have Champions League winners and players who’ve performed on the biggest international stages. And we are London City Lionesses—writing history, not preparing to go down.”
source: skysports
