Mary Earps Returns to WSL with London City Lionesses

Mary Earps is coming home. Not to Manchester United, not to the England goal, but back to the WSL – and into the heart of one of the division’s most ambitious projects.

London City Lionesses have pulled off one of the signings of the summer, confirming the arrival of the former England No 1 on a two-year deal from July 1, when her contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires. She is 33, a European champion, a World Cup finalist, and still very much in her prime.

For a club with only one WSL season behind them, this is a thunderclap.

A proven elite, back where she belongs

Earps left Manchester United two years ago with a legacy that still carries weight. Across five seasons she made 102 appearances and kept 45 clean sheets, the backbone of United’s rise into the upper reaches of the women’s game.

Her international story is even more decorated. She was central to England’s Euro 2022 triumph and a towering presence as the Lionesses marched to the World Cup final the following year. Then came the shock twist: retirement from international duty last summer, just five weeks before the Euros, after losing the starting shirt to Hannah Hampton.

Most players fade quietly after a decision like that. Earps has chosen a different route.

"I'm over the moon to join this club and I'm really looking forward to it," she 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? Ambition, vision, and a point to prove

London City are not pretending to be plucky survivors. They were promoted to the WSL for the first time last season and promptly finished sixth. Respectable. Now they want more.

Earps has bought into that.

"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," she explained. "All the conversations have been really positive and every time I spoke with the club I wanted to hear more."

That line matters. Players at her level do not move for sentiment alone. They move for projects, for infrastructure, for a sense that something serious is being built.

"The vision and ambition, including the new training facility, is incredible and I'm looking forward to seeing that develop. It shows what our owner, Michele (Kang), and everyone at the club want to do in terms of really going for it.

"It's about putting a marker down and saying we want to be competitive in a short space of time."

Those words echo the club’s recent behaviour in the market. London City have already been aggressive, and their interest in Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas underlines just how high they are aiming. Landing Earps is one thing. Trying to tempt the former Barcelona captain on a free would be another level entirely.

Fixing the flaw: a defence that leaked too often

For all the excitement about big names, there is a cold footballing reality to this signing. Eder Maestre’s side conceded 35 goals last season, above the league average of 32. If the plan is to crash the WSL’s established top four, that number has to come down.

Earps changes the equation.

There is already a capable No 1 at the club in Elene Lete, whose sharp interventions stood out last season. Earps is not arriving to trample over that, but to raise the bar.

"I'm looking forward to working alongside Elene (Lete) and the goalkeeping unit," she said. "Elene made some great saves and interventions last season. Hopefully, we can bounce off each other and work hard and enjoy it."

Competition, not conflict. Standards, not sentiment.

A club growing into its new skin

London City’s rise has been fuelled by the deep pockets and clear intent of owner Michele Kang. This is not a side gently feeling its way into the top flight; it is one being rapidly tooled up for contention.

Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter described Earps as “another coup” and questioned how so many star names might gel in one dressing room. It’s a fair challenge. Football has seen this movie before, especially in the men’s game. Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at PSG: a galaxy of talent, but the chemistry never quite right.

That risk hangs over any project built at speed. But there is no doubt about the immediate upgrade Earps offers. She brings authority, leadership, and a winning mentality into a squad still learning what it means to live among the elite.

"My message to the fans is that I'm really excited to get started and make some memories together. I can't wait to play in front of you all," she said. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the players, the style of play and club culture, and trying to give everything I can to help the club achieve its collective goals and be as successful as possible."

Not done yet

For all she has won, Earps sounds like a player with unfinished business.

"I feel I still have so much left to give to the game, and that's exactly why I chose London City," she said.

She is under no illusions about the scale of the task either.

"It won't be easy, the WSL is extremely competitive. The team had a brilliant 2025/26 season, finishing mid-table in their first season, now it's about climbing the table and working towards finishing as high as possible."

London City have their goalkeeper. They have money, ambition, and a clear desire to disrupt the established order.

Now comes the real test: can this star-studded project turn noise into trophies, or will the weight of expectation crush it before it truly takes flight?