Aitana Bonmati Considers WSL Move Despite Barcelona Contract

Aitana Bonmati's Future in Football: WSL or Barcelona?

Aitana Bonmati, the recent Ballon d'Or winner, has made headlines with her commitment to FC Barcelona, having signed a lucrative four-year contract with the club she has called home since 2012. Despite this commitment, Bonmati has not ruled out the possibility of joining the Women's Super League (WSL) in England, a league she acknowledges is rapidly growing due to significant investments in women's football.

The Growing Allure of the WSL

In a recent interview with Sky Sports News at the launch of EA FC25, Bonmati commented on the enticing nature of the WSL, stating, "[The WSL] is a league that is so nice because England are investing a lot in women's football since the Euros." This acknowledgment highlights the contrast in support for women's football between Spain and England.

The Shifting Landscape of Women’s Football in Spain

Spain's women's football scene has faced turbulence, particularly after the controversy surrounding former federation president Luis Rubiales' actions after the Women's World Cup. The backlash from the football community has been immense, and changes are necessary to repair the sport's reputation in Spain. Recently, Liga F players ended a strike agreement after reaching a pay raise, setting the minimum salary to 18,000 euros, with increases planned up to 20,200 euros by the 2025-26 season.

Comparative Salaries: WSL vs Liga F

In stark contrast, the BBC reported that the average salary in the WSL stands at around 47,000 euros, with some players earning up to 250,000 euros. This salary gap indicates the disparity in financial backing and support for women's leagues across Europe.

Examples to Follow: England's Investment in Women's Football

Bonmati applauded England as a model of progress for women's football, highlighting the willingness of clubs to open their stadiums for women's games, which have seen record crowds—such as Arsenal's match on February 17 with an attendance of 61,160. This level of support contributes significantly to the growth of the sport.

Recognition and Marketability in Women's Football

Bonmati's stardom is further solidified with her high rating in the EA FC25 video game, ranking as the third-best player overall, reflecting her considerable talent on the pitch. "It's important to women's teams to be featured in popular games like EA Sports because it helps elevate the recognition of women's football," she stated.

The Future for Bonmati and Women's Football

As Bonmati sets her sights on the upcoming Women's Euros in Switzerland, she understands the stiff competition that awaits, especially from reigning champions England. She believes that both teams represent the pinnacle of women's football but acknowledges that winning such tournaments is a challenging feat.

Conclusion: The Future Awaits

Bonmati's future remains a topic of speculation, but her dedication to FC Barcelona is clear. However, as women's football in England continues to flourish, it seems the appeal of the WSL will remain an option for players like Bonmati.

With the landscape of women's football changing rapidly, it remains to be seen whether Bonmati will remain a one-club player or explore new horizons in the WSL.