The summer transfer season is now in full swing, and Leicester City are enjoying a fruitful window of activity. After confirming the appointment of new manager Amandine Miquel, a flurry of transfer deals and contract extensions have followed.
Let’s examine Leicester’s summer action so far and how it could influence their 2024/25 Women’s Super League season.
Who have Leicester City signed?
Leicester have signed a familiar face for Foxes fans in Asmita Ale. The 22-year-old has joined the club permanently, following a successful loan spell during the second half of the 2023/24 season. The defender has signed a three-year deal.
After making her England international debut for the U17 side in 2017, Ale signed her first professional contract with Aston Villa in 2018. Three years later, she moved to Tottenham Hotspur before her loan switch to the Foxes.
Next through the King Power Stadium doors was Jamaica international Chantelle Swaby on a two-year deal. The Foxes can utilise the highly-regarded player in defensive midfield or as a centre-back. Swaby, 25, came aboard after her contract with FC Fleury 91 expired. Having impressed during a stint at Rangers, where she scored four goals in seven appearances, Swaby hopes to replicate that form for Leicester in her debut WSL season.
Another established player joining Leicester this summer is Belgium international Sari Kees. The 23-year-old defender transferred on a three-year deal from OH Leuven. Boasting a successful international career already, Kees has 30 caps for the Red Flames and joins international teammate Janice Cayman at the club. Foxes fans will surely hope she can replicate her impressive career in the Belgian Women’s Super League at the King Power.
Embed from Getty Images
Ruby Mace, previously linked with Chelsea, has signed for the Foxes on a two-year deal. The defender — on loan at the club during the 2022/23 WSL season — had been released by Manchester City and is an exciting signing for Leicester. Mace was a fan favourite while on loan, and the England U23 international will be looking to continue progressing under Miquel and alongside her new teammates.
Which Leicester City players have signed a new contract?
Denny Draper signed her first professional contract at Leicester City and hopes to kick on this season, having scored on her first team debut. The forward has been in fine form for the Academy side and will look to add an exciting element to the Foxes’ attack.
Shannon O’Brien has been secured by Leicester for another season. O’Brien will expect to heal well from her recent surgery, enabling her an extended run in the first team. Supporters know what she’s capable of and will be excited that she’s been contracted for another season.
Embed from Getty Images
What’s up next for Leicester City?
Leicester hosted an exciting Q&A and a meet and greet for fans at the club fan store ahead of the new season. The event introduced new manager Amandine Miquel alongside established first team players and star signing Ruby Mace. It was also a chance for fans to get their hands on the new 2024/25 season shirt.
The board have clearly been working hard behind the scenes to secure new players for the Foxes, alongside recruiting their manager. It leaves Miquel with fresh faces to integrate during pre-season, and they have sured up the defence that needed more depth to allow for mid-match tactical changes. Foxes fans will be hoping it enables the team to see matches out, having given up the lead from a winning position seven times during the 2023/24 WSL season.
