London City Lionesses unveil landmark signing of Sweden star Kosovare Asllani
Kosovare Asllani of Sweden evades Ireland's Anna Patten and Louise Quinn during a 3-0 UEFA Nations League victory at the Aviva Stadium. Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)
London City Lionesses have made a statement ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season with the signing of experienced Sweden international Kosovare Asllani.
The 34-year-old - who scored the equaliser for Sweden in a 1-1 draw with Ireland in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup - joins on a two-year deal with the option of a third from Serie A side AC Milan.
Asllani, who has played for Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Linköping, is the first signing for new boss Jocelyn Prêcheur, who was unveiled today after arriving from PSG.
She will join Irish internationals Grace Moloney, Ruesha Littlejohn, Niamh Farrelly and Megan Campbell, who have been retained by the ambitious second-tier club.
“I am delighted to join London City Lionesses and look forward to contributing towards the team’s success” said Asllani.
“I am delighted to be back in England for the second time, now as a London City Lionesses player. I can’t wait to put on the number nine shirt and get to know the team.
“I am so excited by the team’s aspirations and can’t wait to meet my teammates and the fans. We have the opportunity to write a new chapter in the club's history.”
The attacking midfielder of Kosovar Albanian descent was named Swedish footballer of the year in 2017 and has twice helped the side to the final of the Olympics, losing out in 2016 and 2020.
187-times-capped Asllani was also part of the Swedish side that, after topping Ireland’s World Cup qualifying group in 2022, finished third at the showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.
London City Lionesses - who previously operated as Millwall Lionesses before splitting from the established club - are set for a stadium change next season as they move from Dartford in Kent to London, sharing Hayes Lane with League Two men's side Bromley.
The club was recently taken over by new ownership in Michele Kang, who also owns NWSL side Washington Spirit in her native United States, and have set their sights on a first promotion to the top-level Women's Super League.
