WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Alexia Putellas offered new contract at FC Barcelona, linked with NWSL
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner is said to be considering a contract from Barcelona, which could be their final offer.
Reports suggest that Barcelona have offered two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas a new deal, and that the proposal could actually be the final offer from the club. Alexia is said to be considering the offer, and that the club’s decision on who will replace outgoing manager Jonatan Giráldez is a key element on whether or not she will sign.
Alexia, whose deal runs out in June, has seen an upturn in form and fitness after a difficult year and a half. The player suffered an ACL tear in July 2022 and since then she has been on a road to recovery. She returned to the Spanish national team setup ahead of their ultimately successful World Cup campaign, and featured in the final as Spain beat England 1-0 to lift the trophy.
Contrasting reports of Alexia contract offer
The Athletic claims that both sides are eager to come to an agreement and that the club have offered Alexia a deal that would double her current salary, making her the highest-paid player in the squad. Mundo Deportivo reported that the player had in fact been given a reduced offer, with the same economic conditions but with one year less, decreasing the overall wage package.
The report from the Catalan media outlet goes on to say that Alexia was surprised by the decision from the club; both the player and those close to her will analyse the offer over the next few days.
Alexia has not returned to action, staff ‘concerned’
The midfielder has not played since November due to discomfort in her knee and was sent home from international duty early in December. A report from The Athletic claims that staff at Barcelona are “concerned with tests concluding she does not have a serious injury” and that “further advice is being sought over the source of the ongoing issue”.
Alexia, who has been linked with a move to the NWSL, joined the club back in 2012 and has gone on to make close to 300 appearances for the club. She is just one of seven first-team players with contracts heading into the final six months with the Liga F champions: Patri Guijarro, Mariona, Asisat Oshoala, Lucy Bronze, Marta Torrejón and Sandra Paños could all leave for free.