London City Lionesses make statement signing of Daniëlle van de Donk

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"London City Lionesses Sign Daniëlle van de Donk Following WSL Promotion"

London City Lionesses make statement signing of Daniëlle van de Donk analysis cover image The Guardian 8.5
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/20/london-city-lionesses-make-statement-signing-of-danielle-van-de-donk-wsl
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TruthLens AI Summary

London City Lionesses have made a significant move in the Women’s Super League (WSL) by signing Netherlands midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk on a free transfer. This announcement follows the club's promotion to the WSL after clinching the Women’s Championship title in May. The 33-year-old player joins London City from OL Lyonnes, the record eight-time European champions, with whom she recently concluded her contract. Notably, OL Lyonnes and London City Lionesses share ownership under American businesswoman Michele Kang, highlighting a unique connection between the two clubs. Van de Donk's signing marks a strategic step for London City as they aim to establish themselves in the competitive landscape of English women's football.

Daniëlle van de Donk brings a wealth of experience to London City, having previously won the WSL title with Arsenal in 2019. Her international accolades include being part of the Netherlands squad that triumphed in the 2017 Women’s European Championship and reached the final of the 2019 World Cup. She has signed a two-year contract with London City, who are eager to challenge the dominance of established teams in the league. Expressing her enthusiasm about joining the club, Van de Donk described the environment as familial and expressed her desire to contribute to the club's ambitious project. She emphasized her readiness to battle for success, aligning with the club's ethos of determination and resilience. Additionally, this signing coincides with the Football Association's recent approval to expand the WSL from 12 to 14 clubs starting in the 2026-27 season, indicating a growing interest and investment in women's football in England.

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Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/20/london-city-lionesses-make-statement-signing-of-danielle-van-de-donk-wsl

London City Lionesses have made a statement of intent after promotion to the Women’s Super League by completing the signing of Netherlands midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk.

The independently run club, who will play in the WSL for the first time next season afterwinning the Women’s Championship titlein May, have acquired the 33-year-old on a free transfer from record eight-time European champions Lyon, recently renamed as OL Lyonnes, after the conclusion of her contract. OL Lyonnes are, like London City Lionesses, owned by the American businesswoman Michele Kang.

Van de Donk won the WSL title winner with Arsenal in 2019 and was also part of the Netherlands squad that won the 2017 Women’s European Championship and reached the final of the 2019 World Cup. She has signed a two-year contract with London City, who have made no secret of their ambitions to disrupt the established big names of women’s football in England.

“I’m feeling really good,” said Van de Donk, who is London City’s first signing of the transfer window. “It’s such a nice environment to be in, the club really appeals to me, it reminds me of a little family, and I want to be a part of it. The project that London City have, it’s different but in a good way. London City have to battle for everything and that’s my style.”

News of Van de Donk’s return to the WSL came as the Football Association formally approved the expansion of the division from 12 to 14 clubs from the 2026-27 season.

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Source: The Guardian