Could Leicester Sign Lehmann from Como?

In recent developments, Leicester City has initiated discussions with FC Como regarding the potential signing of Alisha Lehmann, the talented Swiss forward. Having joined Como in August on a three-year contract from Juventus, Lehmann has already made six appearances for the Italian side, currently positioned sixth in Serie A. The nature of Leicester's interest—whether a loan or permanent transfer—remains uncertain, but it aligns with their strategy to enhance the squad with players experienced in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Leicester City is actively pursuing Alisha Lehmann, aiming to bolster their squad during the January transfer window. The club has already secured the signings of Ashleigh Neville, Rachel Williams, and Sarah Mayling, indicating a clear focus on integrating players with WSL experience. This strategic move reflects Leicester's ambition to improve their performance in the league, potentially enhancing their chances of remaining competitive in the WSL.

Key takeaways

Leicester City is in talks to sign Alisha Lehmann from FC Como.
Lehmann has made six appearances for Como, who are sixth in Serie A.
The nature of the transfer (loan or permanent) is still unclear.

Timeline: how we got here

Alisha Lehmann's football journey has seen her transition through several clubs and leagues:

August 2023: Lehmann joins FC Como from Juventus on a three-year deal.
2024-2025: Wins the Serie A title with Juventus.
Summer 2023: Leicester City begins discussions to sign Lehmann during the January transfer window.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Leicester City has made formal approaches to FC Como to acquire Alisha Lehmann, reflecting their intent to strengthen the squad with experienced players. This move indicates a proactive strategy as the January transfer window approaches.

What was already established

Lehmann, a highly regarded forward, has previously played for several WSL clubs, including West Ham, Everton, and Aston Villa. She is known for her impressive record, having earned 64 caps for Switzerland and garnered significant social media influence as the most-followed female footballer worldwide.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For football fans in the UK, the potential signing of Lehmann could enhance the profile of the WSL, drawing more attention and viewership to Leicester City matches. Greater engagement from star players may lead to increased attendance at games and more merchandise sales.

Businesses and jobs

Leicester's active transfer strategy could also have implications for local businesses, driving more foot traffic to local shops and restaurants on match days. Additionally, investing in experienced players can create a more competitive team, potentially leading to job security and growth for coaching and administrative staff.

Policy and regulation

As the January transfer window approaches, clubs need to adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations. Leicester City’s recruitment of Lehmann will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with these rules, especially given their recent player signings.

Numbers that matter

16 million: Lehmann's Instagram followers, making her the most-followed female footballer globally.
64: The number of caps Lehmann has earned for the Swiss national team.
6: The number of appearances Lehmann has made for FC Como since joining.

Definitions and jargon buster

Serie A: The top professional women's football league in Italy.
WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
Financial Fair Play: Regulations set by UEFA to prevent clubs from spending beyond their means.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Leicester continues discussions with FC Como, fans should keep an eye on official announcements regarding Lehmann’s transfer status. Monitoring her performances in Serie A may also provide insights into her readiness for a return to the WSL.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If the transfer goes through, Lehmann could join Leicester for the second half of the WSL season, potentially impacting the team's performance and playoff aspirations.

Signals to watch

Official confirmation of the transfer from either club.
Lehmann's performance metrics in her upcoming matches for FC Como.
Leicester's positioning in the WSL table post-transfer window.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Leicester City’s official channels for the latest transfer updates.
Engage with the club's community through social media and events.
Support local businesses during match days.

Don’t

Assume the transfer is guaranteed until officially confirmed.
Neglect the importance of following up on player performances.
Miss out on attending matches to show support for the team.

Checklist

Check Leicester City's transfer news regularly.
Stay informed about WSL developments and fixtures.
Engage with fan communities online.
Consider attending upcoming matches to support the team.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Leicester's interest in Lehmann is apparent, the specifics of the transfer, including financial details and the nature of the deal, remain uncertain. Additionally, the potential impact of this transfer on team dynamics and performance will depend on various factors, including coaching strategies and Lehmann's adaptation to the WSL.

Bottom line

The discussions surrounding Alisha Lehmann's potential transfer to Leicester City highlight the club's proactive approach to strengthening their squad ahead of the WSL's critical phases. As the January transfer window approaches, fans should stay tuned for developments that could significantly influence the league landscape.

FAQs

What clubs has Alisha Lehmann played for?

Alisha Lehmann has played for several clubs, including West Ham, Everton, Aston Villa, and currently FC Como in Italy.

What is Alisha Lehmann's international experience?

Lehmann has been capped 64 times for Switzerland and is a prominent figure in the national squad.

Why is Leicester City interested in Alisha Lehmann?

Leicester City seeks to enhance their squad with players who have WSL experience, and Lehmann fits this profile, given her background in the league.