Mary Earps Joins London City Lionesses
In a major statement of intent, London City Lionesses have announced the signing of former England goalkeeper Mary Earps. The 33-year-old will join the club on a two-year contract starting July 1, following the expiration of her deal with Paris Saint-Germain. Earps returns to the Women’s Super League after two years away, having previously starred for Manchester United.
A Glittering Career Resumes in England
Earps made 102 appearances and kept 45 clean sheets during her five seasons at United, establishing herself as one of the division’s elite shot-stoppers. Her contributions helped United challenge for major honours before she departed for PSG in 2024. Despite her success in France, Earps opted to return to the WSL, citing the ambition and vision of London City as decisive factors.
“I’m over the moon to join this club and I’m really looking forward to it,” Earps said. “I feel the club aligns with what I stand for. I can’t wait to get started and to get down to business.”
Why London City? Earps Explains
Earps revealed that the club’s values, coupled with owner Michele Kang’s ambitious plans, drew her to the project. “The club’s values represent what I want to represent and they are passionate about what I want to achieve and change the game in a positive way. All the conversations have been really positive and every time I spoke with the club I wanted to hear more.”
The Lionesses, promoted to the WSL for the first time last season and finishing a commendable sixth, are assembling a squad to challenge the traditional top four. Earps highlighted the “incredible” new training facility and the club’s determination to “really go for it.”
“It’s about putting a marker down and saying we want to be competitive in a short space of time,” she added.
Key Takeaways
- Mary Earps returns to the WSL on a two-year deal with London City Lionesses.
- The 33-year-old brings a wealth of experience, including 102 WSL appearances and Euro 2022 triumph.
- London City are making ambitious moves, also targeting Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
- Earps’ signing addresses a leaky defence that conceded 35 league goals last season.
- The goalkeeper retired from international football in 2025 after losing her England spot to Hannah Hampton.
London City’s Statement Summer
Earps’ arrival is the latest in a string of high-profile moves by London City, who are backed by Kang’s significant investment. The club has a strong interest in signing Barcelona legend Alexia Putellas, which would represent one of the biggest coups in WSL history. Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter described the Earps deal as “another coup” and noted that the team’s ambitions “won’t stop at Mary Earps.”
“It’s a star-studded cast for a team that has only been in the English top-flight for one season,” Hunter said. “One might question how all these superstars are going to gel under one roof… but there is no doubt Earps is a huge signing and one that significantly improves them.”
Head coach Eder Maestre will now aim to shore up a defence that shipped 35 goals last term, above the league average of 32. Earps is expected to mentor younger goalkeepers, including Elene Lete, with the Spaniard having impressed during her debut campaign.
Quick Facts
Player: Mary Earps
Age: 33
New Club: London City Lionesses
Contract: Two years (starting July 1, 2026)
Previous Clubs: Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain
WSL Appearances: 102
WSL Clean Sheets: 45
International Caps: 50+ (England), retired June 2025
Major Honours: UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 winner, FIFA Women’s World Cup runner-up 2023