London City Lionesses are attempting to pull off one of the most ambitious WSL transfers in history – and you wouldn’t bet against it happening.
Backed by billionaire Michele Kang, the newly-promoted club have already made a splash in the transfer market but landing Arsenal star Beth Mead would top the lot.
The Lionesses with their own Lioness, it makes perfect sense.
Rumours have surfaced about London City’s interest in the forward since England’s Euro 2025 triumph.
Chloe Kelly arriving from Man City on a permanent deal after her loan at the end of last season made the 30-year-old’s future uncertain.
Meanwhile the world-record £1million deal for Liverpool’s Olivia Smith has further intensified talk about a potential exit after nine years with the club.
Previously it was felt a significant offer would be needed to land a player reportedly still a major part of Renee Slegers’ plans at the Emirates.
However, London City Lionesses boss Jocelyn Precheur has insisted that not only is it not out of the question, a potential move highlights that they mean business in the WSL.
In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT, he said: “Listen, if I’m a promoted team and I work for another club, if someone comes and tells me, [London City] are trying to convince Beth Mead to join, I would say, ‘come on, are you serious?’ But this is why something is very special in London City.
“First, because of Michele, but it’s really a place where everything is possible.
“Yes we are the promoted team, but Michele wants us to be ambitious and give all the support we need to be able to be ambitious.
“So, no, I’m not surprised when they told me they are talking with Beth Mead. OK, let’s try. Let’s try and let’s see.”
Who are London City Lionesses?
London City Lionesses were founded just six years ago.
They split from Millwall, breaking away to form their own team, playing their home games at Hayes Lane in Bromley.
The FA allowed the transfer of Millwall’s Championship license, allowing them to start in the second tier as a fully independent team, with no male counterpart.
Instability hit the club in 2023 and this saw Kang swoop in to buy the club in December that year.
Upon completing the purchase, she said: “I see tremendous possibility in this team and look forward to helping the club and the players reach their highest potential.”
Before adding: “I want to inspire young female athletes to keep playing and see a future for themselves in the sport they love.”
Who is Michele Kang and where did she make her money?
American businesswoman Kang, worth $1.2bn according to Forbes, has long been investing in women’s sport.
The 66-year-old, born in South Korea, worked in several successful businesses before founding healthcare tech firm Cognosante and later selling it.
She also owns Washington Spirit and Olympique Lyonnais, while also investing in US Soccer Federation’s women’s and girl’s programs.
Who have London City Lionesses signed this summer?
Kang’s investment in London City had already seen them sign Kosovare Asllani and Saki Kumagai to help them win promotion to the WSL.
This summer they have already made further additions as they not only look to avoid relegation but to become an instant disrupter in the top tier.
Danielle van de Donk, Nikita Parris, Elena Linari, and Jana Fernandez are among the headline names arriving.
Meanwhile, the youthful additions of Teyah Goldie, Poppy Pattinson, and Freya Godfrey are also a signal of intent.