London City Lionesses have made a landmark signing in women’s football, securing the services of France midfielder Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking £1.43m. This transfer, along with other significant acquisitions by the club, signals a new era of investment and ambition in the Women’s Super League. Arsenal also secured Alessia Russo with a new long-term contract. The WSL is becoming increasingly competitive, attracting top talent and raising the profile of the women’s game.
London City Lionesses have sent shockwaves through the world of women’s football, shattering the previous transfer record with the signing of France midfielder Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering €1.65m (£1.43m). The deal, finalized just before the Women’s Super League (WSL) transfer window slammed shut at 11pm BST, marks a pivotal moment for the league and signals the club’s ambitious intent.
Geyoro’s arrival is the latest in a series of high-profile signings for London City, who are rapidly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with following their promotion to the WSL. The club, backed by the financial muscle of owner Michele Kang, who also controls OL Lyonnes and the Washington Spirit, is clearly determined to disrupt the established order and compete at the highest level.
The transfer fee eclipses the previous record of £1m paid by Arsenal for Olivia Smith in July, and surpasses Lizbeth Ovalle’s $1.5m (£1.1m) move to Orlando Pride. This flurry of activity demonstrates the growing financial investment and increasing competitiveness within the women’s game.
Geyoro, a dynamic and technically gifted midfielder, brings a wealth of experience and international pedigree to the Lionesses. She has been a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, consistently showcasing her ability to dictate play, create scoring opportunities, and contribute defensively. Her signing is expected to significantly enhance London City’s midfield options and provide a creative spark to their attack.
London City have been proactive throughout the transfer window, adding further quality to their squad with the acquisitions of Netherlands midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk, England forward Nikita Parris, and Spain youth international winger Lucía Corrales, for a reported fee of €500,000. These signings demonstrate a clear strategy of targeting established internationals and promising young talents.
Paris Saint-Germain expressed their gratitude to Geyoro for her contributions to the club, stating, “Paris Saint-Germain salutes Grace Geyoro’s exemplary career with the club. An iconic figure in the women’s team, she has left an indelible mark on the history of the Red and Blue. The club extends its sincere thanks and wishes her the best for the rest of her career.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have secured the services of Alessia Russo for the long term, with the forward signing a new contract on the eve of their WSL opener against London City at the Emirates Stadium. Russo, a European champion with both club and country, has been a prolific goalscorer for Arsenal since joining from Manchester United in 2023, jointly claiming the WSL’s Golden Boot last season with 12 goals.
“Arsenal feels like home,” Russo said. “This is such a special club and it has felt that way to me from the moment I joined.” Manager Renée Slegers praised Russo’s selflessness and work ethic, highlighting her significant contributions to the team’s culture.
The WSL is poised for an exciting season, with increased investment, rising standards, and a growing fanbase. London City’s bold moves in the transfer market, coupled with the retention of key players like Russo at Arsenal, suggest a league that is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly competitive. The arrival of players like Geyoro will undoubtedly raise the profile of the WSL and attract even more attention to the women’s game.
The Lionesses’ ambition is clear: to challenge for the title and establish themselves as a leading force in women’s football. With a talented squad and a determined owner, they are well-positioned to achieve their goals. The signing of Grace Geyoro is a statement of intent, signaling a new era for London City Lionesses and the WSL as a whole.
