London City Lionesses Shatter Transfer Record with Grace Geyoro Signing
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through women’s football, London City Lionesses have officially secured the services of French international midfielder Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £1.43 million ($1.92 million). This monumental transfer not only marks a new chapter for the newly promoted Women’s Super League (WSL) side but also establishes Geyoro as the most expensive women’s player in history.
The deal, confirmed just moments ago, underscores the Lionesses’ ambitious intent for their debut season in England’s top flight and signals a significant shift in the financial landscape of women’s football.
A Record-Breaking Year for Women’s Transfers
Geyoro’s transfer is the fourth time in 2025 alone that the women’s transfer record has been broken, highlighting the accelerating investment and growing commercial appeal of the sport. The year began with Chelsea’s £900,000 acquisition of Naomi Girma in January. Arsenal then raised the bar in July, paying £1 million for Olivia Smith from Liverpool.
Smith’s record was short-lived, with Lizbeth Ovalle moving to Orlando Pride for £1.1 million just over a month later. Now, the London City Lionesses have decisively surpassed all previous figures with their blockbuster move for the French star.
Geyoro’s Impact and Potential Future Records
While Geyoro’s £1.43 million transfer currently stands as the pinnacle, it could potentially be eclipsed by Alyssa Thompson’s recent move to Chelsea. The Blues’ deal for Thompson could reach as much as £1.5 million if all performance-related bonuses are triggered, setting up a fascinating race for the top spot in the record books.
Here’s a look at the most expensive transfers in women’s football history:
| Player | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Geyoro | PSG | London City Lionesses | £1.43 million ($1.92 million) |
| Lizbeth Ovalle | Tigres | Orlando Pride | £1.1 million ($1.5 million) |
| Olivia Smith | Liverpool | Arsenal | £1 million ($1.36 million) |
| Alyssa Thompson | Angel City | Chelsea | £1 million ($1.34 million) |
| Naomi Girma | San Diego Wave | Chelsea | £900,000 ($1.1 million) |
A New Era for London City Lionesses
The 28-year-old Geyoro, a centurion for the French national team with over 100 caps, is the 16th signing in what has been an incredibly active transfer window for the newly promoted WSL side. Backed by American owner Michele Kang, the Lionesses are making a clear statement of intent.
Among the high-profile arrivals this summer are defender Jana Fernández from Barcelona, midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk from Lyon, and former Manchester United duo Katie Zelem and Nikita Parris, who most recently played for Angel City and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively. This influx of talent signals a formidable challenge to the established WSL giants.
Michele Kang’s Vision: Investing in Women’s Football
London City Lionesses hold a unique position in the WSL as the first team with no ties to a men’s club, having formally split from Millwall in 2019. After initial years marked by uncertainty, Michele Kang’s takeover in December 2023 ignited a remarkable upward trajectory.
Kang, who is the majority owner of both the Washington Spirit and Lyon, and a minority owner of Lyon’s men’s side, has openly committed to investing heavily in women’s football. This strategic vision bore fruit quickly, with the Lionesses winning the Championship title in Kang’s first full season, setting the stage for their highly anticipated entry into the top flight.
The signing of Grace Geyoro is more than just a transfer; it’s a statement. It signifies the Lionesses’ ambition to not just compete but to thrive in the WSL, and it reflects the growing global recognition and financial power within women’s football. All eyes will now be on London City as they prepare to unleash their star-studded squad in what promises to be an exhilarating season.
