Alisha Lehmann has officially joined Juventus, marking a significant transition in her career as she departs from Aston Villa. This move comes shortly after Everton’s Hanna Bennison also made the switch to the Italian club, making Lehmann the second player from the Women’s Super League (WSL) to sign with Juventus in a week.
During her time at Aston Villa, Lehmann made 74 appearances and scored 14 goals. The club expressed gratitude for her contributions, stating, “Everyone at the football club thanks Alisha for her time in claret and blue and wishes her well in her next chapter.”
The Swiss international’s move to Juventus is particularly notable as she will be joining her partner, Douglas Luiz, who also made the transition from Villa to Turin. Luiz completed his transfer to Juventus on June 30, and now the couple will be navigating their new lives in Italy together.
Lehmann’s departure from Villa comes after three seasons and a total of seven years in the WSL, where she previously played for West Ham and Everton. Despite having two years remaining on her contract, with an option for an additional year, the opportunity to join Juventus was too enticing to pass up.
As the 2024/25 Women’s Super League season approaches, set to kick off on the weekend of September 21 and 22, the landscape of women’s football continues to evolve. The upcoming season will see the Barclays Women’s Championship starting earlier, on September 7 and 8, and will include a winter break from December 16 to January 18. The WSL season is scheduled to conclude on May 10 and 11, 2025.
Lehmann’s move to Juventus is part of a broader strategy by the club to strengthen its roster ahead of the new season. The team is looking to rebuild and challenge for titles, particularly after a tumultuous previous season. The club’s management is focused on completing key transfers early in the summer to ensure that players are ready for pre-season training.
The transfer window has been bustling with activity, and Juventus is keen on making significant changes to its squad. The departure of Wojciech Szczesny, the club’s goalkeeper, is on the horizon as they close in on signing Michele Di Gregorio from Monza. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential signing of Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, although negotiations have yet to progress significantly.
In addition to Lehmann, the club is also looking to bolster its midfield. The recent transfer of Douglas Luiz highlights Juventus’s commitment to enhancing this area of the team. The complex nature of the transfer involved multiple players, showcasing the intricate dealings that often characterize the summer transfer window.
Lehmann’s arrival at Juventus is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the club’s ambition to compete at the highest levels. The team is eager to reclaim its former glory and make a strong showing in both domestic and European competitions.
As Lehmann settles into her new surroundings in Turin, she is taking the time to adjust to her new life. The bustling city offers a stark contrast to her previous experiences in England, and she has been seen enjoying quiet evening strolls to avoid the crowds. This transition period is crucial for her as she prepares for the challenges that lie ahead with her new team.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Juventus, with new signings and a fresh approach under the guidance of their new manager, Thiago Motta. The club is determined to make a mark in Serie A Femminile and the Champions League, and players like Lehmann will be integral to their success.
As the summer progresses, all eyes will be on Juventus as they finalize their squad and prepare for the challenges of the new season. The combination of experienced players and fresh talent like Lehmann could be the key to unlocking a successful campaign.
In conclusion, Alisha Lehmann’s move to Juventus is a significant step in her career, and it reflects the ongoing evolution of women’s football. As she embarks on this new chapter, both she and the club are poised for an exciting journey ahead.
Source: Sky Sports, Chris Burton
