Aitana Bonmati Open to WSL Move Despite New Barcelona Contract

Aitana Bonmati: The Future of Women's Football and the Potential Move to the WSL

Aitana Bonmati, a prominent figure in women's football, has made headlines recently, especially with her refusal to rule out a future move to the Women's Super League (WSL), despite her new long-term contract with Barcelona. The talented midfielder, who has been with Barcelona since she joined as a youth player in 2012, recently signed a lucrative four-year deal with the club.

Commitment to Barcelona

At just 26 years old, Bonmati has established herself as a critical player for Barcelona, winning the Ballon d'Or and bringing attention to the women’s game. While she expresses the sentiment of wanting to be a one-club player, Bonmati acknowledges the appeal of the WSL as a growing league.

The Attraction of the WSL

Speaking to Sky Sports News during the launch of the EA FC25 game in Madrid, Bonmati spoke candidly about her thoughts on the WSL. "Yes, that would be nice to be a one-club player... but you never know. I’d never close the door,” Bonmati stated, emphasizing that the investment in women’s football is significant in England, particularly post the UEFA Women's Euros.

Growth of Women's Football in Spain vs. England

Bonmati pointed out a stark contrast between Spain and England regarding the support and investment in women's football. Despite Spain's progress, the recent turbulence in Liga F, including a strike over pay, highlights ongoing challenges.

• Minimum wage for women players in Spain was increased from 13,700 to 18,000 annually.
• Projected rise to 20,200 by 2025-26.
• The average salary in the WSL was noted to be around 47,000 annually in 2022, with players potentially earning between 20,000 and 250,000.

England as a Model for Women's Football

Bonmati recognizes that England is setting a commendable example in women's sports. With clubs such as Arsenal regularly attracting large crowds and opening stadiums for women's matches, she believes that it reflects a robust commitment to the sport.

"They are investing in brands, publicity, and marketing. They are an example for everything,” Bonmati mentioned. Her remarks underline the crucial role that fan engagement and media attention play in growing women’s football.

Recognition in Gaming

Another noteworthy aspect of Bonmati's discussion was her involvement in gaming, as she ranks highly in the new EA Sports FIFA FC25 game. With her player rating of 91, Bonmati appreciates the growing visibility for women's football in mainstream entertainment.

"I think it's important to women's teams in the game because it's a game that a lot of people play. And a lot of people know us from the game,” she stated, reflecting on the importance of recognition.

Looking Ahead: Women's Euros 2025

As Spain prepares for the Women's Euros in Switzerland, Bonmati is aware of the challenges ahead, including tough competition from teams like England. The excitement surrounding this tournament and the prospects in the WSL hint at a promising future for women's football.

Bonmati concluded, “England and Spain are two of the most important teams, of course, but these kinds of tournaments are difficult to win with many games, so we will see."

Conclusion

Aitana Bonmati's journey in women's football illustrates the ongoing evolution of the sport. Her reflections on the potential migration to the WSL, coupled with her commitment to Barcelona, showcase both personal ambition and the larger context of women's football development.

As the landscape of women's football continues to shift, with increasing visibility, support, and investment, players like Bonmati are at the forefront of this change.