Katie Zelem says London City Lionesses are setting their sights on silverware

London City Lionesses have their sights set on winning silverware ahead of their debut season in the Women’s Super League, according to new signing Katie Zelem.

The 29-year-old is one of 17 new arrivals at the club this summer as they prepare to make their bow as the WSL’s first independent club not connected to a men’s side.

The club were purchased in 2023 by billionaire sports tycoon Michele Kang who has invested heavily, first to win promotion from the Championship (now the WSL 2) then in building a squad capable of leaving a mark in the top division.

That spending spree was capped on Friday with the signing of Paris St Germain midfielder Grace Geyoro for a reported £1million.

Spain Under-19 international Lucia Corrales also arrived this week from Barcelona for around £430,000 – the second capture from the Catalan side after Jana Fernandez joined last month.

“I think it’s so exciting, the investment in the squad,” Zelem told the PA news agency. “I’ve played against Grace in a Champions League qualifier for Man United and I know what qualities she brings. Really excited to have her.

“It shows where the team want to head. It shows the intent of London City.

“Most people presume teams who are newly promoted are just happy to stay up, but that’s definitely not enough for us.

“It’s not enough for Michele Kang. We welcome as many great players as we can have and we want to be pushing for as well as we can do this season.”

Clubs arriving in the WSL from the second tier have traditionally struggled to adapt to the step up.

Last season, Crystal Palace were relegated in what was their first top-flight season following promotion, whilst the previous season Bristol City also made an immediate return to the Championship.

After their whirlwind summer in the transfer market, the Lionesses are unlikely to be beset by the same concerns.

“The key thing about this club us there is no limit,” said Zelem. “I’ve been at other clubs that are majority ruled by the men’s side of the club. We’re an independent team. We have amazing backing, we have people that believe in the team.

“The idea is that we build and build, and that in years to come this team is winning titles, in the Champions League. The limit is endless.

“We want to be lifting silverware. You can see the calibre of player we’ve signed. We don’t want to just be here and coast along.”