Daniëlle van de Donk Joins London City Lionesses from Lyon

London City Lionesses — WSL newcomers — have announced their first signing by bringing in Daniëlle van de Donk on a two-year contract from OL Lyon.

The 33-year-old Netherlands international midfielder joins on a free transfer from the French club also owned by Michele Kang.

“It’s such a nice environment, the club reminds me of a little family and I want to be part of it,” van de Donk stated. “London City’s project is different but in a good way. London City has to fight for everything and that’s my style.”

London City — the only independent club in the top flight — recently earned promotion to WSL after finishing one point above Birmingham City. Van de Donk brings valuable experience with 167 appearances for the Netherlands national team and Euro 2017 title.

The former Arsenal player previously won the Champions League with Lyon along with three Division 1 Féminine titles. Van de Donk, who recently married Australian defender Ellie Carpenter earlier this month, returns to England where she won the WSL with Arsenal in 2018-19.