London City Lionesses’ signing of Delphine Cascarino this January was made possible by a clause in the player’s San Diego Wave contract.
The signing was announced on Monday night, with Casacarino becoming the first big signing under new head coach Eder Maestre.
What clause did Delphine Cascarino have in her San Diego contract?
As reported by the BBC, Delphine Cascarino had a clause in her San Diego contract which allowed her to join the London City Lionesses.
The France international had been on London City’s radar for several months, with the club initially exploring a move during the summer transfer window.
Cascarino had only joined San Diego in the summer of 2024, however, and London City opted not to pursue an immediate deal.
Instead, the WSL club chose to wait until January, when the terms of Cascarino’s contract in the United States allowed for an early exit.
The agreement included a provision enabling the player and San Diego to mutually terminate her deal, freeing her to move back to Europe without a transfer fee being required.
Cascarino left San Diego after her contract was mutually terminated, before a move to London City was announced.
Why Cascarino has joined London City
Cascarino said she needed to move closer to home in a farewell message to San Diego fans.
She said: “Since joining the Wave, every moment of my time in San Diego is something I will always cherish. Playing for this Club, this city, and in front of such a passionate fan base made this decision incredibly difficult.
“However, due to personal considerations, the next step in my career needs to be closer to home at this time.”
On Delphine Cascarino’s move to London City Lionesses, I understand there was a clause in her contract that allowed her to move to a European club in Jan by mutual consent. LCL pursued her in summer but chose to wait for free transfer in Jan. More analysis on BBC shortly. #lcl
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) January 20, 2026
Delphine moves to the WSL at the same time as her twin sister Estelle, who joined West Ham on loan from Juventus.
“I’m feeling good, and I am really excited to start the second part of the season with London City,” said Cascarino in quotes distributed to the media. “I’m really happy to be here.
“London City is the only independent women’s club in the WSL, which excites me. England – for men and women – is the country of football. It’s always been a goal of mine to play in this league.
“I want to play in the Champions League here at London City and win many trophies.”
