London City Lionesses sign former England goalkeeper Mary Earps

Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has signed a two-year contract with London City Lionesses, returning to the Women's Super League after two seasons with Paris St-Germain. The 33-year-old left the French club upon the expiry of her contract, having made 22 appearances in the Première Ligue this season and kept 12 clean sheets as PSG finished third, 13 points behind champions Lyon.

Earps on joining London City

Earps said the club's values and ambition aligned with her own. "I feel the club aligns with what I stand for. I can't wait to get started and to get down to business," she said. "The club's values represent what I want to represent and they are passionate about what I want to achieve. All the conversations have been really positive and every time I spoke with the club I wanted to hear more."

She highlighted the vision of owner Michele Kang, including plans for a new training facility. "The vision and ambition, including the new training facility, is incredible and I'm looking forward to seeing that develop. 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."

Career highlights

A two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year award-winner, Earps played a crucial role in England's victory at Euro 2022 and their run to the 2023 World Cup final. She spent five years at Manchester United, making more than 100 appearances, and helped the club win its first major trophy in 2024, lifting the Women's FA Cup. Earps announced her retirement from international football in 2025.

Her autobiography, released in November, caused controversy and dominated headlines for several weeks. However, on her return to Old Trafford earlier this season in the Women's Champions League, Earps received a warm applause from home fans at full-time. A mural of Earps painted outside Old Trafford celebrates her spell at the club.

Ambition and recruitment

London City Lionesses are demonstrating significant ambition in the summer transfer window, pursuing several high-profile players. Alongside Earps, the club is set to sign Spain defender Mapi León and is in ongoing talks with two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas following her departure from Barcelona. The club, backed by wealthy American businesswoman Michele Kang, finished sixth in their first WSL season in 2025-26.

Earps acknowledged the challenge ahead. "I feel I still have so much left to give to the game and that's exactly why I chose London City," she said. "It won't be easy - the WSL is extremely competitive. 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."

Analysis: Competition for number one

Earps' arrival will intensify competition for the goalkeeper position at London City Lionesses. She will challenge current number one Elene Lete, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge of the league. The Earps brand is also expected to attract attention and publicity, helping the club grow its fanbase and commercial presence.

The club's recruitment plans include bringing in up to seven players this summer, blending big names with youthful talent. After a solid debut campaign in the WSL, London City hopes to challenge for a top-four spot, though they face competition from other ambitious clubs such as Tottenham, who are also promising a strong transfer window.