Barcelona's women's team, fresh from winning all four trophies in 2025-26, faces a second consecutive summer exodus as seven players have left the European champions, with only 19-year-old Renee van Asten from Ajax arriving.
Key Departures
Twice Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas left her home of 14 years for Michele Kang's London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League on a free transfer, highlighting an internal management crisis. Mapi León followed to London City, also on a free transfer, reuniting with former teammates Jana Fernández, María Pérez and Lucía Corrales. Ona Batlle signed for Arsenal, joining former Barcelona winger Mariona Caldentey. Salma Paralluelo has yet to announce her next destination, though PSG are favourites after negotiations with Chelsea broke down.
Financial Fair Play Impact
The departures stem from the men's team's La Liga financial fair play troubles, which affect the entire club. At the time of writing, the women's team has 17 senior players: two goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders and three forwards, though they are in talks to sign Brazil forward Kerolin from Manchester City.
Academy Struggles
Since 2024, 19 players have left, including academy products, while only two signings and two academy promotions have occurred. Key academy players are also departing: goalkeeper Txell Font left for FC Badalona, Adriana Ranera signed for Deportiva de A Coruña, Martine Fenger left for Hoffenheim, and Alba Caño joined Boston Legacy in the NWSL. Last season, academy products Aïcha Camara and Clara Serrajordi stepped up, but fewer options remain this summer. Midfielders Carla Julià (19) and Rosalía Domínguez (17) are favourites to join the first team.
Financial and On-Field Concerns
Last season, Barcelona Femení made a profit of €1.955m (£1.67m), their best since 2023-24, boosted by increased Champions League prize money and domestic success. However, with key names departing, matching that figure in 2026-27 is unlikely. Losing Batlle impacts the defence, following Fridolina Rölfö's departure to Manchester United last year. Van Asten has signed from Ajax, and Martina Fernández is likely to return from Everton. The forward line is thin, though coach Pere Romeu can use midfielders Vicky López, Kika Nazareth and Sydney Schertenleib in attack. The team appears one major injury away from imploding, having relied on academy products last season.
