Dynamic Swiss international forward Alisha Lehmann has joined Everton on loan from West Ham United until the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
Lehmann is the second high-profile Everton signing during the January transfer window following England great Jill Scott’s arrival on loan from Manchester City.
Talented attacker Lehmann, who turned 22 last week, joined West Ham from Swiss team BSC YB Frauen in summer 2018.
She played a key role in the Hammers’ run to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2018/19 and was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Season award in her maiden Women’s Super League campaign.
Lehmann declared her belief she can elevate her performances to new heights under the guidance of manager Willie Kirk at Everton.
“It feels amazing to be here,” Lehmann told evertontv.
“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.
“For me, it was my first choice to come here and I am so happy it has happened.
“I’m really excited to meet everyone, to be with the squad.
“I want to score goals and bring my strengths to the team.
“The manager also wants me to use my pace, to make runs, not just for me but also for my teammates.
“I hope Willie can bring me to the next level. I think I have potential and I can work on a lot of things.”
Lehmann’s signing further bolsters a high-quality Everton squad which reached November’s FA Cup final and has been a fixture in the upper echelons of the WSL table in 2020/21.
“I’ve watched their games and I know how well Everton have played this season,” Lehmann added.
“And we signed Jill Scott just a week ago, she is a really big player.
“There are big players here and that makes me even more excited because I can learn from them and they can teach me.
“Hopefully I can bring something extra to the team and keep improving.”
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Everton manager Kirk, meanwhile, outlined the qualities he believes Lehmann will add to his side.
“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, added: “We had a long, honest chat with Alisha to understand each other’s priorities and goals and were very direct - and I think she liked that.
“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. 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.
“Alisha is hungry and that’s what we love. We are delighted to welcome her.”
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