Lehmann Returns to England: Leicester City Signs Swiss Forward

Switzerland forward Lehmann has officially commenced preparations for her return to England, having visited Leicester City’s training ground on Wednesday to integrate with the first-team squad, as reported by The Athletic.

The 26-year-old’s presence at Belvoir Drive indicates the nearing completion of a transfer that the East Midlands club has been negotiating for the past two weeks.

Speculation surrounding Lehmann’s future in Italy escalated over the weekend when she was notably absent from Como’s matchday squad during their goalless draw against Napoli. Confirmations have now emerged that she is in advanced discussions to transition from Serie A to the Women’s Super League (WSL), cutting her time in Italy short just months after her arrival at Como.

Lehmann joined Como on a three-year contract from Juventus in August, but the allure of a return to the English top flight appears to be irresistible. Her signing is perceived as a significant acquisition for Leicester, adding both elite-level expertise and a substantial global profile to the King Power Stadium.

Currently, the Foxes occupy ninth place in the league, five points clear of bottom-placed Liverpool, and the club’s management is evidently intent on averting any lingering risk of relegation.

To this end, Lehmann is the latest addition in a strategic overhaul of the squad. She joins a trio of experienced players who have already signed this month, including defender Ashleigh Neville from Tottenham, veteran striker Rachel Williams from Manchester United, and Sarah Mayling, who is on loan from Aston Villa.

By incorporating players with extensive WSL experience, Leicester aims to infuse resilience and tactical acumen into their squad. Lehmann perfectly embodies this objective, having substantial experience in England’s top tier, indicating the club’s aspirations for mid-table stability rather than nervously glancing at the relegation zone.

For Lehmann, this transfer represents a return to a league where she first established herself as a global star. With prior experience at West Ham, Everton, and Aston Villa, she is well-acquainted with the demands of English football, enabling her to integrate seamlessly into the squad without requiring an extended acclimatization period.

Although her time in Italy was brief, it was marked by success during her previous tenure, contributing to the Juventus squad that won the Serie A title in the 2024-25 season, thus adding a winning mindset to her profile.

Internationally, Lehmann is a pivotal player for Switzerland, having earned over 60 caps for her nation. Off the pitch, her influence is unparalleled; with nearly 16 million followers on Instagram, she stands as the most-followed female footballer worldwide, ensuring heightened attention on Leicester City once the transfer is finalized.

The timing of the transfer is particularly noteworthy. With Lehmann already training with the squad, there are high expectations for her registration ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. In a twist of fate, Leicester’s next match is a critical encounter against West Ham—her former club—where she first made her mark on English football.

The Hammers currently find themselves in 11th place, just below Leicester, making Sunday’s match a crucial