West Ham United winger Alisha Lehmann has joined fellow Barclays FA Women’s Super League side Everton on a loan deal for the remainder of the season.
Alisha Lehmann Completes Everton Loan Move From West Ham United
Lehmann Could Help Everton in Champions League Charge
It signals a statement of intent from the Toffees after confirming the return of midfielder Jill Scott on loan from Manchester City on January 21, as Willie Kirk’s side look to make up ground on the sides above them in the table.
After an impressive start to the season, the Merseysiders went on a run of five WSL games without a victory, until arresting that slump in form with a 4-0 win over Bristol City on January 17.
They currently sit fifth in the table and will look to the likes of Lehmann to reignite hopes of a charge towards Champions League qualification – something still in range for Kirk’s side, who are seven points adrift of third-place City with a game in hand.
Shrewd Move by Everton
Lehmann herself has made a big impact in England, signing for the Hammers in the summer of 2018, after playing an important role in their run to the FA Cup Final that season. She was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Season award.
She went onto make 18 appearances in 2019/20 before the Coronavirus pandemic brought the season to an abrupt end, and scored once in 11 appearances this campaign for a West Ham side languishing in tenth place.
The Switzerland international is expected to play in a more advanced role for Everton, and her direct playing style is one that strongly appeals to Kirk.
She will look to make a similar contribution to both Izzy Christiansen and Lucy Graham, who have both netted four goals so far this campaign.
The arrival of Lehmann alongside Scott is making the rest of the WSL stand up and take notice, and the two Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal may start to look nervously over their shoulders.
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