FA WSL News: Everton sign Swiss international forward Alisha Lehmann on loan

After Everton tweeted this video (below) on January 22nd, fans were buzzing about another player joining the Toffees during the January transfer window.

On Wednesday, the team officially announced the signing of Swiss forward Alisha Lehmann from West Ham United on loan until the end of the 2020/21 season. Lehmann is the second notable signing Everton have made in the transfer window, having acquired Jill Scott’s services on loan from Manchester City this past week.

Lehmann, who turned 22 last Thursday, started her career with BSC YB Frauen in the Swiss Nationalliga before signing with West Ham in the summer of 2018. In 42 appearances for the Hammers, Lehmann netted nine times, was vital to West Ham’s run to the FA Cup Final in 2018/19 and was nominated for the PFA Young Player award in her inaugural season in the Women’s Super League.

Following a whirlwind day of media sessions and meeting follow Evertonians, Lehmann was buzzing about her move to Merseyside.

“It feels amazing to be here,” Lehmann said in her introductory press conference. “Everton is a big club and they have done so well this season. I’m so excited to play, to score goals and win with Everton. There are big players here and that makes me even more excited because I can learn from them and they can teach me. I’m really excited to meet everyone, to be with the squad.”

Lehmann, who has 21 caps and three goals for the senior Swiss team, noted her conversations with Everton Manager Willie Kirk in terms of how she sees herself fitting into the side.

“The manager also wants me to use my pace, to make runs, not just for me but also for my teammates,” she said. “I hope Willie can bring me to the next level. I think I have potential and I can work on a lot of things. Hopefully I can bring something extra to the team and keep improving.”

Lehmann’s signing concludes a frenetic transfer period during which Everton extended winger Claire Emslie, lost midfield sensation Damaris Egurrola to Olympique Lyonnais and signed Scott on a season-long loan.

Everton manager Kirk, who has helped the team become one of the more competitive sides in the Super League, shared his excitement of Lehmann’s arrival.

“I’m delighted to welcome Alisha to Everton,” he said. “She is a very exciting talent. She’ll add variation in our attack. She will bring directness, pace, purpose and intent to the team. She will create chances, score goals and gives us another very strong option in the forward positions.”

Sarvar Ismailov, Everton Women Sporting and Commercial Director, believes Lehmann was a natural fit with the squad due to her desire to improve and help Everton in the final third.

“I believe Alisha has so much more to prove to everyone,” he said, “especially to herself, and I think Willie will be the person who can bring that out from her. We see her as a striker and I believe she will bring goals and give that balance with other forwards in terms of different styles.”