Everton Women have signed Switzerland international, Alisha Lehmann on loan from West Ham United until end of 2020-21 season.
Lehmann is the second major loan signing made by Everton this month after securing the services of Jill Scott from Manchester City last week.
Speaking on her switch to the Toffees, Lehmann described the move as “amazing” as she looks to improve her game under the guidance of Everton manager – Willie Kirk.
Lehmann added that Everton was “… my first choice” when offered the move and can’t wait to meet her new teammates, whilst looking to improve her goal scoring record this season following just one goal in 11 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions.
Kirk however is keen to utilise Lehmann’s best quality in her pace to help create further attacking opportunities, with Lehmann saying; “The manager also wants me to use my pace, to make runs, not just for me but also for my teammates.”
Lehmann ultimately though feels that she has high potential despite admitting that there are aspects which needs improvement, as she said; “I think I have potential and I can work on a lot of things.”
Kirk meanwhile is confident that Lehmann’s arrival will help boost the Toffees’ attacking ability, saying; “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.”
Everton Women’s Sporting and Commercial Director, Sarvar Ismailov commented that long honest discussions were had with Lehmann in order to ensure that their priorities aligned.
Ismailov however noted that Lehmann has plenty to prove to not just the club but herself and hopes that Kirk can extract more of her potential from her during this loan stint, commenting; “I believe Alisha has so much more to prove to everyone, especially to herself and I think Willie will be the person who can bring that out from her.”
Everton currently sit fifth in Women’s Super League and seven points off a Champions League spot, whereas West Ham are tenth and five points above the relegation position occupied by Bristol City.
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