London City Lionesses have completed the signing of Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Grace Geyoro, but deny that the fee paid was a world record.
The newly-promoted Women’s Super League side completed the move on Thursday just before the transfer window shut. The deal was announced on Friday morning and is subject to the completion of the regulatory process, with Geyoro not expected to make her debut at Arsenal on Saturday.
The signing of the midfielder is a major statement of intent from London City, and widely reported to be worth a world-record fee, surpassing the £1.1m paid by Orlando Pride to Tigres UANL for Mexican winger Lizbeth Ovalle last month.
Chief executive Martin Semmens said the reported figure of £1.43m had been over-inflated.
"It is a fantastic signing and a fantastic player but the numbers are not quite right. I suspect those figures are more promoted from the other side," he told talkSPORT.
"It is a big deal around the £1m mark but not a world record sadly."
Geyoro has over 100 caps for France and has been at PSG her whole career after coming their academy. The 28-year-old was a regular for France at this summer’s Euros and scored twice at the tournament, including in the quarter-finals.
London City, who are backed by wealthy American owner Michele Kang, have spent big this summer ahead of their first season in the WSL.
The club also completed a deal for teenage Spain international Lucia Corrales on deadline day after paying the release clause in her Barcelona contract, believed to be worth around £430,000.
Geyoro’s arrival makes it 16 new signings for London City and the club have added some marquee names to their squad.
Dutch midfielder Danielle van de Donk has joined from Lyon, while former Manchester United captain Katie Zelem and England forward Nikita Parris have also arrived.
In a statement on Friday morning, PSG said: “Paris Saint-Germain salutes Grace Geyoro’s exemplary career with the club.
“An iconic figure in the women’s section, she leaves an indelible mark on the history of the Rouge et Bleu.
“The club extends its sincere thanks to her and wishes her all the best for the rest of her career.”
