According to Pol Ballus, of The Athletic, Manchester City Women are set to make two huge free-agent signings. The club is overhauling its squad following a disappointing season in which they finished third in the Women’s Super League, trailing leading clubs Arsenal and Chelsea by 8/9 points, respectively. Manchester City are also hoping to break Chelsea’s dominant streak of WSL wins which has seen the London club win the league title in five of the last six seasons. To accomplish this, City are making moves to sign Leila Ouahabi, of Barcelona, and Laia Aleixandri, of Atletico Madrid.
Manchester City Women Chase Two Free Agent Signings
Leila Ouahabi
Leila Ouahabi has been a regular for Barcelona, and previously Valencia, for some time now but last season lost her starting spot as left-back to Fridolina Rolfo. Ouahabi came through the Barcelona system but it took a move to Valencia in 2013 to break out. Barcelona re-signed her in 2016 and she hasn’t looked back since, staking her claim as one of the best left-backs in the women’s game. Ouahabi is not only an experienced player but a born winner who knows what it takes to win the ultimate prize of the Women’s Champions League.
🗣 Leila Ouahabi: ” After 13 years at the club, I think my time has come. It’s the end of one era and the start of another. I’m so proud of everything that I’ve achieved and want to thank the fans for all their support.” pic.twitter.com/dqgr03s5zK
— Barça Femení (@BarcaFem) June 1, 2022
Laia Aleixandri
Aleixandri is another defender, although she opts to play in the centre of the field, who is out of contract and on the move. Aleixandri has played for Atletico Madrid since 2017 and is already a Spain international. In 2020, UEFA named Laia Aleixandri as one of the ten most promising young players in Europe.
Manchester City women are in the midst of massive change with Lucy Bronze, Caroline Weir, and Georgia Stanway all set to depart the club. With these departures come two very exciting defensive additions from Spain who could instantly make a massive impact on the team.
