London City Lionesses have made a blockbuster signing, securing France forward Kadidiatou Diani on a three-year contract for a fee exceeding £500,000. The 31-year-old, who won over 100 caps for France and was the second-highest scorer at the 2023 World Cup, departs European giants Lyon with a year left on her deal.
Diani chose the Women's Super League (WSL) over interest from other European clubs, citing the ambition of London City's project. 'It's an independent club and very ambitious. It's something which is quite rare in women's football and I believe in it a lot,' she said.
During three seasons at Lyon, after moving from Paris St-Germain in 2023, Diani scored 41 goals in 93 appearances. At PSG, she won two French Cups and a league title, but missed out on Champions League success with Lyon, losing in two finals. A knee injury in the semi-finals kept her out of last season's final, where Barcelona beat Lyon 2-0.
Diani reunites with London City owner Michele Kang, who also owns Lyon and Washington Spirit. London City finished sixth in their debut WSL season and have bolstered their squad with marquee signings including two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, ex-England goalkeeper Mary Earps, and Spain defender Mapi Leon.
'We have objectives — to win as many matches as possible and qualify for the Champions League,' Diani added. 'Winning a trophy for this club would be brilliant.'
Analysis: Spending spree raises sustainability questions
Diani's arrival caps a Hollywood-style recruitment drive under Kang's ownership. The club broke the world transfer record last season for Grace Geyoro, and Putellas' signing was hailed as the biggest in WSL history. Kang's investment extends beyond transfers to training facilities and medical research, but has sparked debate over financial sustainability in the WSL, where player wages cannot exceed 80% of club revenue plus up to £4m in additional investment.