London City Lionesses have announced the signing of France international Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain in what has become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer. The 28-year-old midfielder joins the newly promoted Women’s Super League club after nearly 15 years in Paris, where she rose through the ranks to become captain and one of the most decorated players in the French game.
Initial reports suggested the deal was worth a record-breaking £1.4m, surpassing the fee Orlando Pride paid last month for Mexico winger Lizbeth Ovalle. However, London City were quick to play down talk of a world record, insisting the actual figure was closer to £1m. “It is a fantastic signing and a fantastic player but the numbers are not quite right,” said club chief executive Martin Semmens. “It is a big deal, around the £1m mark, but not a world record sadly.”
Even without the record label, the deal remains monumental. Geyoro becomes the Lionesses’ 16th permanent signing of a busy summer, reflecting the ambitions of their wealthy American owner Michele Kang, who has been determined to build a team capable of competing with England’s elite from day one.
A Career at PSG
Geyoro joined PSG at just 15 and went on to make nearly 270 appearances, scoring 54 goals. She lifted three French Cups and twice reached the Champions League final. With over 100 caps for France, she has appeared in two World Cups, two European Championships and the 2024 Olympics. Her leadership and tactical intelligence have long made her one of Europe’s most respected midfielders.
London City manager Jocelyn Precheur, who worked with Geyoro during his time at PSG, could not hide his excitement. “She is one of the best players on the planet,” he said. “She knows how I want to play, she knows the game perfectly, and she brings experience that will help balance our young and talented squad. I’m not surprised we had to pay a huge fee to bring her in.”
Building a WSL Contender
Since earning promotion, London City have wasted no time in making their presence felt. Alongside Geyoro, they secured the services of Spain’s teenage prodigy Lucia Corrales from Barcelona for around £430,000, as well as established stars including Danielle van de Donk from Lyon, Katie Zelem from Manchester United and England forward Nikita Parris.
For Precheur, integrating so many high-profile arrivals will be a challenge, but it underlines the scale of Kang’s investment and ambition. The Lionesses are the first WSL team not affiliated with a men’s club, giving them the freedom to operate independently in a women’s football market that is rapidly expanding.
“This signing is a statement,” said BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders. “It not only elevates the team but forces others to take notice of London City’s pull in the market. With Kang backing them, they are threatening to disrupt the usual order of the WSL.”
More Than Just Football
For PSG, Geyoro’s departure is a significant blow. Losing a homegrown leader and one of the world’s best midfielders weakens them in the battle with Lyon, another club in Kang’s growing portfolio. For London City, it’s a coup that strengthens their credentials as genuine contenders.
Off the pitch, the signing signals a shift in women’s football economics. The club has already broken transfer records in the second tier, and now they are pushing boundaries in the WSL. Kang has invested heavily in player salaries, facilities tailored for women, and commercial independence, carving a path that other clubs may soon follow.
Geyoro could make her debut at home to Manchester United on 14 September. Before then, London City face Arsenal in their opening WSL fixture. Expectations are high, but with players of Geyoro’s calibre now in the squad, belief is growing that London City can not only compete but thrive in England’s top flight.
