Swiss international Alisha Lehmann has made her highly anticipated return to English football, coming on as a substitute for Leicester City in their Women's Super League encounter against West Ham United. The forward, who only completed her move to the Foxes last Thursday, was immediately included in the matchday squad for Sunday afternoon's fixture at the King Power Stadium.
Immediate Impact Despite Defeat
Lehmann entered the fray after 65 minutes with Leicester trailing 2-0 to Rita Guarino's West Ham side. Despite the Foxes managing to pull one goal back during the latter stages, the team ultimately fell to a disappointing defeat in Lehmann's first appearance back in the WSL. The 27-year-old's introduction provided a spark for the home supporters, many of whom remained after the final whistle to take selfies with the popular player.
Challenging League Position
This result leaves Leicester City in a precarious position with just nine points accumulated from their opening thirteen matches of the season. Conversely, the victory proved crucial for West Ham, lifting them off the bottom of the WSL table. Lehmann will be eager to help her new club improve their fortunes quickly, though they face a formidable challenge next Saturday against in-form Arsenal.
Return to English Football
Lehmann's move to Leicester represents a significant homecoming for the player, who had been plying her trade recently with Italian side Como. The forward has considerable experience in English football, having previously represented West Ham, Everton (on loan), and Aston Villa during her career. Upon signing for Leicester, Lehmann described the move as feeling "like a homecoming" and expressed excitement about the club's ambitions to advance women's football.
Off-Field Developments
The timing of Lehmann's return to England coincides with her new relationship with Love Island star Montel McKenzie becoming public knowledge. McKenzie recently shared a birthday tribute to Lehmann on social media, confirming their romance which reportedly developed through their involvement in KSI's Baller League, where both participate in a six-a-side team alongside presenter Maya Jama.
This represents Lehmann's first public relationship since her previous involvement with Brazilian footballer Douglas Luiz, with whom she had an on-off relationship during their time together at Aston Villa. The couple had briefly rekindled their romance earlier this year before both securing moves to Juventus, though Lehmann's time in Italy was marred by difficulties both on and off the pitch.
Looking Ahead
Lehmann will be hoping for better fortunes at Leicester than she experienced during her stint in Serie A, where she started just three matches after joining Como last August. Her Italian adventure was further complicated by two separate robbery incidents targeting her residences. Now back in familiar surroundings, the Swiss star will be determined to make a positive impact as Leicester seek to climb the WSL table in the coming weeks.
