London City Lionesses continued their aggressive recruitment drive ahead of the new Women’s Super League season by securing the services of Denmark international Janni Thomsen from Utah Royals FC. The move further underlines the club’s determination to establish itself among England’s elite after an encouraging debut campaign in the top flight.
The 26-year-old defender has signed a two-year contract with the London-based club, becoming one of several high-profile arrivals this summer under head coach Eder Maestre. Thomsen joins Germany forward Nicole Anyomi and England goalkeeper Mary Earps as part of an ambitious rebuilding project backed by owner Michele Kang, whose investment has transformed the club’s aspirations in recent years.
Thomsen arrives after an impressive spell with National Women’s Soccer League side Utah Royals FC, where she quickly established herself as a dependable presence in defence. She has made 11 appearances during the current NWSL campaign, helping Utah Royals climb to second place in the league standings midway through the season. Before moving to the United States, Thomsen also enjoyed successful spells in Denmark and Norway, earning a reputation for her versatility and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Internationally, Thomsen brings valuable tournament experience. She represented Denmark at the UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2022 and 2025 and was also part of her country’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Her experience at the highest level is expected to strengthen a London City side looking to compete consistently against the established powers of the Women’s Super League.
Speaking after completing the move, Thomsen expressed her excitement about joining one of Europe’s fastest-rising women’s football clubs. “I’m very proud to join London City,” said Thomsen. “This project is a serious project – they have big ambitions.” Her arrival reflects the club’s clear recruitment strategy of combining experienced internationals with emerging talent capable of competing immediately in England’s highly competitive top division.
London City Lionesses finished sixth in their maiden Women’s Super League campaign after earning promotion, an achievement that exceeded many pre-season expectations. Rather than settling for consolidation, the club has chosen to invest heavily during the summer transfer window with the aim of challenging the league’s traditional hierarchy.
One of the headline additions has already been the signing of former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, widely regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers. Earps returned to England following two successful seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, bringing leadership, experience and international pedigree to the squad. German international striker Nicole Anyomi has also joined to bolster London’s attacking options after establishing herself as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting forwards.
The transfer activity may not stop there. Reports indicate that two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has agreed personal terms with London City following her departure from Barcelona, while Spain international defender Mapi León is also expected to complete a move to the club. If confirmed, the arrivals would rank among the biggest signings in Women’s Super League history and signal London’s intention to compete for domestic honours much sooner than many anticipated.
The ambitious recruitment strategy is being driven by Michele Kang, whose growing investment in women’s football extends beyond London City. Kang also owns the Washington Spirit in the United States and Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in France, creating one of the sport’s most influential multi-club networks. Her vision has been to accelerate the professional growth of women’s football through world-class infrastructure, player development and significant investment in elite talent.
For Thomsen, the move to England represents another important step in a career that has steadily progressed through European football and the NWSL. Comfortable at right-back but capable of operating in midfield when required, her versatility gives Maestre greater tactical flexibility ahead of a demanding campaign.
Competition in the Women’s Super League continues to intensify, with clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City strengthening their squads every season. However, London City have made it clear that they are unwilling to remain outsiders. Instead, the club is building a squad capable of challenging the league’s established contenders while also laying the foundation for long-term success.
With Thomsen now officially on board and more marquee arrivals expected in the coming weeks, London City Lionesses are rapidly emerging as one of the most intriguing projects in European women’s football. Their bold transfer strategy reflects not only their immediate ambitions but also a wider commitment to reshaping the competitive landscape of the Women’s Super League.
