World Cup winner Perez joins London City Lionesses

Maria Perez's only appearance in Spain's 2023 World Cup win came from the bench in a 5-1 victory over Switzerland in the last 16

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Maria Perez has become the latest high-profile player to sign for Women's Championship side London City Lionesses.

The 22-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal on an undisclosed fee, has six caps for the national team and was part of the Spain squads that won the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Uefa Nations League.

London City's latest recruit follows the arrival this summer of England forward Izzy Goodwin and Sweden internationals Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson.

The club says Perez will initially be unavailable for selection, however, as she continues her recovery from a knee operation following an injury sustained in pre-season training.

London City head coach Jocelyn Precheur said Perez would join the squad "soon", adding "everyone here is ready to work with her to make sure that she is able to play again as quickly as possible."

Precheur described Perez as a "complete player" who is "smart, technically gifted" and "perfectly adapted to our project".

Perez, who won the league title and Champions League honours with Barcelona and spent last season on loan with Sevilla, said that she was attracted by London City owner Michele Kang's "plan for the future of women's sports".

"There are big stadiums full with people watching women's football and this was an important factor in my decision to come here," she added.

London City Lionesses drew their opening game of the Championship season at home to Newcastle United and play their next match at Blackburn Rovers on Sunday (14:00 BST)