Leicester City Women have announced several additions to their squad, including former England U-23 international Freda Ayisi, as they prepare for their FA Women’s Championship opener at home to Bristol City on Sunday.
Ayisi (23) made 10 appearances for Birmingham last season and played for them in the 2017 FA Women’s Cup Final. She was earlier with Arsenal, with whom the striker gained Champions League experience,
Speaking to LCWFC TV, Ayisi said: “I’m excited to have joined Leicester City Women. They had a good run last season and are set to be very competitive this year.”
Leicester City Women Manager Jonathan Morgan said: “Freda comes to us with a wealth of experience and I see her as a massive coup for us.
“We’ve seen her quality in both training and matches and all of the coaches have been delighted with her. I feel she will be the difference for us in many games next season.”
Melissa Johnson arrives having left Sheffield FC, having scored 17 goals in 20 games in WSL 2. The 26-year-old forward was twice selected as FA WSL 2 Player of the Month for January and May 2018.
Sarah Jackson is another signing from Sheffield FC, the 22-year-old defender has represented England at both U-15 and U-17 level.
Former England U-20 international Taome Oliver signs from Oxford United, where she scored 3 goals in 20 appearances last season. The midfielder previously gained valuable experience at Arsenal, winning the league title and FA Youth Cup in an unbeaten season with the Gunners’ U-17s.
Following Oliver from Oxford is Ella Franklin-Fraiture. The 20-year-old defender had been with the same club since the age of 10, breaking into the first team squad in 2014.
Serena Fletcher comes in from Manchester City, with whom the 19-year-old won the WSL Development double in 2017/18. The defender represented England U-20s in the La Manga Tournament earlier this year.
Natasha Hudson switches from East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest, where the midfielder scored 9 times in 24 appearances in 2017/18. The 17-year-old represented English Colleges in the Mare Nostrum Cup in Spain.
