The transfer wave in Barcelona, the reigning Women's Champions League champion, continued as defender Mapi León joined London City Lionesses, reuniting with her former teammate Alexia Putellas, on Monday.

This move comes amid the growing strength of the English Women's Super League, which is attracting the top stars of European football.

London City announced that León (31) signed a three-year contract as a free agent after her contract with Barcelona ended.

During nine seasons at the heart of Barcelona's defense, León (31) won four Champions League titles, playing alongside Putellas who was the team's playmaker throughout that period.

Putellas joined London City last week in a landmark move for the rapidly rising club owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang.

León said in a club statement: 'What can I say about Michele? She is an inspiring woman who wants women's football to grow and thrive.'

Barcelona's summer, marked by major off-season changes, also saw Spanish right-back Ona Batlle move to Arsenal last week after her contract with the European champion ended.

León, Putellas, and Batlle all started in the Barcelona lineup that beat Olympique Lyonnais, also owned by Kang, 4-0 in the Champions League final in May.

León said: 'I played in Spain for many years, and I felt that now was the right time to move considering the project. The English league is helping women's football grow.'

London City finished sixth in the Women's Super League last season, in the club's first appearance in the top division, which was won by Manchester City.

The signings of León and Putellas highlight the ambition of London City Lionesses, owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang, who aims to enhance the club's status. The arrival of three players from Barcelona's Champions League-winning squad to the English women's league signals a shift in the balance of power in European women's football. It will be interesting to see whether this influx of talent will reflect in London City's results next season.