Mary Earps has completed a headline-grabbing return to the Women’s Super League, signing a two-year deal with London City Lionesses after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The former England goalkeeper, who felt she had been forgotten by some, was unveiled in spectacular fashion on the Thames — and says the ambitious club has reignited her fire.
A statement signing on the Thames
The 33-year-old’s arrival was confirmed on Friday, but the manner of the announcement turned heads even before she pulled on the gloves. London City Lionesses eschewed a conventional press conference, instead whisking Earps onto a boat for a photoshoot against the backdrop of Tower Bridge. For a player who once had to buy her own scarf for a makeshift unveiling at Wolfsburg, the contrast was staggering.
“The energy and effort put into the shoot, I would never have imagined this even five years ago. All I keep saying is: ‘I’m so excited,’ but that shoot just poured petrol on the excitement fire. Wow, if that’s what they do just to say: ‘Hey, by the way Mary’s arrived,’ then imagine hopefully what we can do in the future.”
The goalkeeper’s move is the latest signal of intent from a club determined to break the traditional elite in the WSL. Earps, who kept 45 clean sheets in 102 appearances for Manchester United before her Paris switch, is the marquee name they hope can anchor a push for the top four.
‘People think I’ve vanished’
In a candid interview with The Guardian, Earps opened up about the strange loneliness of her year in France. After losing her England starting spot to Hannah Hampton and then retiring from international football just weeks before Euro 2025, she felt her profile had slipped away.
“People think I’ve vanished. I get it — when you’re not in the England squad and you’re playing abroad, it’s easy to be out of sight, out of mind. But I’ve been working hard, and I know I still have so much to give.”
The glitzy homecoming is a reminder that Earps remains one of the most recognisable figures in the women’s game, but she is adamant the move is about football, not a PR stunt. London City’s upward trajectory and the chance to play regular first-team football in England were the decisive factors.
Quick Facts
Player: Mary Earps
Age: 33
Position: Goalkeeper
New Club: London City Lionesses
Contract: Two years (until June 2028)
Previous Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Former Clubs: Manchester United, Wolfsburg, Bristol City, Reading, Doncaster Rovers Belles
England Caps: 52 (retired international)
Key Takeaways
- Mary Earps has joined London City Lionesses on a free transfer after her PSG contract expired, signing until 2028.
- The 33-year-old says she felt “forgotten” after losing her England place and moving to France, but is energised by the new challenge.
- A lavish Thames photoshoot underlined the ambitious vision of the WSL side, a far cry from her low-key unveiling at Wolfsburg eight years ago.
- Earps is motivated to prove she remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers and help London City break into the WSL’s elite.
