London City Lionesses set for 2026-27 WSL season with Alexia Putellas debut and new signings

London City Lionesses Alexia Putellas Women's Super League 2026-27 season Daniela Arques

The 2026‑27 Women's Super League season will start on Friday 4 September 2026, with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United at the CopperJax Community Stadium. Double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is expected to make her debut for London City in that opening match. The league expands from 12 to 14 teams, adding 50 fixtures and running until the weekend of 22‑23 May 2027, just before the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Chelsea will host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on 5 September, while Arsenal begin away at Brighton & Hove Albion on 6 September. Other opening‑weekend fixtures include Manchester City versus Birmingham City and Tottenham versus West Ham.

London City Lionesses have also completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Daniela Arques from Sporting CP on a three‑year deal. Arques arrives after 32 appearances and three assists for Sporting, and she is a two‑time UEFA Women’s Under‑19 European champion.

Chelsea midfielder Hannah Hampton has signed a new two‑year contract and says she will work to restore the club’s winning standards after a disappointing previous campaign. In New Zealand, Auckland FC will field an invitational squad against Chelsea at Eden Park on 8 August 2026, highlighting the growing international profile of the league.

Entities: Alexia Putellas · Chelsea FC Women · Daniela Arques · Hannah Hampton · London City Lionesses · Sporting CP · Women's Super League · Éder Maestre

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] Daniela Arques signed a three-year contract with London City Lionesses, joining from Sporting CP.
[● 2 SOURCES] Chelsea will host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 5 September 2026.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Hannah Hampton signed a new two-year deal with Chelsea and aims to restore the club's winning standards.
[● 2 SOURCES] The 2026-27 Women's Super League season will begin on Friday 4 September 2026.
[● 2 SOURCES] The Women's Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams for the 2026-27 season, adding 50 more fixtures.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Daniela Arques made 32 appearances and recorded three assists for Sporting CP in the previous season.
[● 2 SOURCES] London City Lionesses will host Manchester United in the opening match at CopperJax Community Stadium.
[● 2 SOURCES] Alexia Putellas will make her debut for London City Lionesses in the opening match.