London City Lioness signs Saint-Paris Germain star, image: Lioness/via X
(The Post News) – London City Lionesses had that it had shattered the transfer record by signing France midfielder Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain on Friday. While early coverage placed the fee at a staggering £1.4 million, club executives have moved quickly to downplay the figure, insisting the true amount is significantly lower.
Multiple British media outlets claimed that Geyoro’s move had set a new benchmark in women’s football transfers, surpassing the record fee paid by Barcelona for England’s Keira Walsh in 2022. At £1.4 million (around $1.89 million), the deal would have easily eclipsed Walsh’s £400,000 move from Manchester City.
The figure instantly generated headlines, marking what many believed to be a defining moment in the rapid commercialization and growth of the women’s game.
However, in a statement on Friday evening, London City Lionesses chief executive Martin Semmens clarified that the reported amount was over-inflated. “The fee is closer to one million pounds, not what was widely reported,” Semmens explained.
While it is still a significant investment for the club, Semmens stated that they want to be clear that this is not a world-record transfer. His comments highlight the growing tension between clubs, media speculation, and the rising spotlight on transfer activity in women’s football.
At 26 years old, Grace Geyoro has already established herself as one of the top midfielders in world football. A product of PSG’s academy, she has amassed over 150 appearances for the French giants, while also becoming a central figure for the France national team.
Known for her technical ability, ball retention, and leadership on the pitch. Geyoro brings both experience and creativity to London City. Her signing underscores the Lionesses’ ambition to break into the top tier of European women’s football, competing not just on the pitch but also in the transfer market.
The buzz around Geyoro’s move is also a reflection of the broader shift in women’s football economics. Until recently, transfer fees in the women’s game were minimal compared to the men’s market. But the last few years have seen exponential growth, with record-breaking signings, increased sponsorship deals, and higher broadcasting revenue streams.
Keira Walsh’s move to Barcelona set the tone in 2022, while Chelsea’s big-money acquisitions of players like Pernille Harder and Lauren James further illustrated the financial muscle entering the women’s game.
Even if Geyoro’s deal does not officially set a new world record, the fact that London City were prepared to spend around £1 million demonstrates how quickly the landscape is changing.
Founded in 2019, London City Lionesses have been steadily building their profile in the Women’s Championship. The acquisition of Geyoro is not only a statement of intent but also a symbol of the club’s growing ambition to challenge established heavyweights like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
“We are dedicated to assembling a team that can compete at the highest level,” Semmens stated. The arrival of Grace is a significant step toward realizing that goal. highlighting the fact that the signing is indicative of a long-term plan.
For Paris Saint-Germain, the sale represents the loss of one of their longest-serving players. However, with PSG restructuring their squad to compete more effectively against Lyon domestically and Barcelona in Europe, the decision to cash in on Geyoro may provide flexibility in the market.
The Grace Geyoro transfer to London City Lionesses has already sparked debate about the future of financial power in women’s football. While not officially a world-record deal, it remains a landmark signing that underscores both the ambition of London City and the shifting dynamics of the women’s transfer market.
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