Paralluelo, Weir, Putellas and Diani headline Michele Kang’s summer overhaul at OL Lyonnes and London City Lionesses | OneFootball

Michele Kang’s OL Lyonnes and London City Lionesses have driven this summer’s market, adding marquee signings with an eye on silverware and fuller stadiums.

"I do not think there is only one model. We are the only independent women’s team. I want to prove different models can exist," she said, speaking to CBS. "My job is to provide the resources and infrastructure so London City Lionesses can compete with the top four or top three." LCL finished sixth last season.

On 29 August the Groupama Training Stadium will stage OL Lyonnes v London City Lionesses to cap Lyon’s pre-season, before the league opener at Fleury on 5 September in the Arkema Première Ligue.

Lyon unveiled four recruits after an open training session, goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs, 25, from Bayern Munich, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, 29, from Chelsea, Caroline Weir, 31, from Real Madrid, and Champions League winner Salma Paralluelo, 22, from FC Barcelone. Jonatan Giraldez said they are versatile and set the target of reclaiming the Champions League after four years, with Barcelona taking three titles and Arsenal one.

Director general Vincent Ponsot expressed strong confidence, highlighting continuity with the same staff, a high-quality squad and a balance of youth and experience. The project also centres on the quality of play, not only collecting trophies.

Giraldez judged his first season good but not perfect because not every title was won. He cannot promise to win everything, the priority is to improve and the game matters most.

Since 2023 under Michele Kang, London City Lionesses have gone bold, attracting names such as Asllani and Kumagai, and landing Grace Geyoro from PSG for 1.65 million including bonuses in September 2025. After Delphine Cascarino’s winter arrival, seven more joined this summer, Daniela Arques, 20, from Sporting Portugal, Janni Thomsen, 26, from Utah Royals, Nicole Anyomi, 26, from Eintracht Francfort, Mary Earps, 33, from PSG, Kadidiatou Diani, 31, from OL Lyonnes, Mapi Leon, 31, from FC Barcelone, and double Ballon d’Or Alexia Putellas, 31, from FC Barcelone.

"It is going to be electrifying and I want to replicate the Rowdy Audi, with Alexia and others helping create that. I want fans to feel a kind of FOMO when we play, and we are investing in the team, staff, the training centre and fan engagement so people can enjoy the product on the pitch."

Source: L'Équipe