Aitana Bonmati Weighs Up Future as Barcelona Star Ponders WSL Appeal

Aitana Bonmati, the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, has opened up about the intriguing prospects for her future after committing to a new long-term contract with Barcelona. Despite Women’s Super League (WSL) interest, Bonmati has chosen to extend her stay at the Catalan club until 2028, making her one of the highest-paid players in the women’s game.

A One-Club Legend?

Bonmati, who made her senior debut for Barcelona in 2016 at the age of 18, has become an iconic figure at the club, having made nearly 300 appearances and won 18 major honours. She is now set to continue her journey at the reigning European champions for at least four more years. In an interview with Sky Sports, she reflected on the possibility of becoming a one-club player, a rare achievement in modern football:

“That would be nice to be a one-club player. For now, I’ve been playing for Barcelona since I was 13 years old. It would be nice if I could end my career like this. But you never know. I’d never close the door.”

The Appeal of the WSL

Despite her deep connection to Barcelona, Bonmati acknowledged the growing appeal of the WSL in England, a league that has been heavily investing in women’s football, especially following the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 victory. Bonmati praised the infrastructure and growth of the women’s game in England, noting that it sets an example off the field:

“[The WSL] is a league that is so nice because England are investing a lot in women’s football since the Euros – I cannot say the same about here in Spain.”

Bonmati admired how England has opened men’s stadiums for women’s matches and promoted the women’s game through brand investment and marketing, which has driven large crowds and attention:

“They are putting a lot of people in the stadiums… Also, they are investing in brands, publicity and marketing. They are an example for everything.”