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London City Lionesses have completed their 10th summer signing with the addition of experienced Italian defender Elena Linari from Roma.
The newly promoted Women’s Super League side have been one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window.
Their newest addition brings huge experience, after making more than 100 caps for Italy.
Linari was part of Italy’s starting XI that lost to England in the semi-finals of Euro 2025.
The game went to extra-time after Michelle Agyemang’s 96th-minute equaliser, before Chloe Kelly scored one minute before the game was due to go to penalties.
UK betting sites have made Italy seventh-favourites at odds of 14/1 to win the next Women’s Euros in 2029.
Why have London City Lionesses signed Elena Linari?
In her first interview since joining the London City Lionesses, Elena Linari revealed that she has been pushing for the move.
She said: “Everything is so amazing here, everyone is so welcoming and everything is so professional.
“I’m very happy to be here at another great club, I was pushing hard to have this chance and I’m so happy that London City gave me this opportunity.”
She also expressed her excitement at reuniting with World Cup and Champions League winner Saka Kumagai.
Kumagai joined the London City Lionesses in January 2025 from Linari’s former club Roma.
Linari said: “I had the chance to play with Saki Kumagai whilst in Rome, and now I’m looking forward to playing with her again.
“She’s an amazing player, on and off the pitch, her culture is amazing, I love her lots.”
Who else have the London City Lionesses signed this summer?
Below is the full list of signings that the London City Lionesses have completed following their promotion to the WSL.
Danielle van de Donk – Lyon (free agent)
Sanni Franssi – Real Sociedad (free agent)
Freya Godfrey – Arsenal (undisclosed fee)
Isa Kaardinal – Ajax (undisclosed fee)
Elene Lete – Real Sociedad (undisclosed fee)
Elena Linari – Roma (undisclosed fee)
Nikita Parris – Brighton (free)
Poppy Pattinson – Brighton (free)
Sophia Poor – Aston Villa (undisclosed fee)
Teyah Goldie – Arsenal (free agent)
When does the 2025-26 Women’s Super League season start?
London City Lionesses open their Women’s Super League season against Arsenal on Saturday, September 6th.
They also play Manchester United, Everton and Manchester City during the opening month of the season.
The Lionesses begin their preparation for the new season on Friday night, as they play FC Twente in a pre-season friendly.
Ahead of the new season, the Lionesses also play Bristol City, Lyon, and Leicester City during pre-season.
