In a landmark move that has captivated the football world, Swiss international Alisha Lehmann has officially joined Juventus Women, departing from Aston Villa to reunite with her partner, Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who also recently signed with the Italian giants. This dual transfer marks one of the rare instances of a “couple transfer” in professional football, underscoring both personal and professional aspirations.
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A New Chapter in Turin
Alisha Lehmann, 25, concluded her seven-year tenure in England’s Women’s Super League (WSL), where she played for West Ham, Everton, and most recently, Aston Villa. During her time at Villa, she made 74 appearances and netted 14 goals. Her move to Juventus was confirmed on July 6, 2024, with the club announcing her signing on a contract that extends until 2027. Lehmann expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m overjoyed, Juve is a club with a great history. So much so that I have to be honest: I was a bit nervous when I got out of my car for my medical check-up at J|Medical and saw so many fans. But everything is great” .
Her debut for Juventus Women came on September 1, 2024, where she made an immediate impact by scoring as a substitute in a 6-3 victory, showcasing her adaptability and flair in Italian football .
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Reuniting with Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz, 26, completed his transfer to Juventus from Aston Villa on June 30, 2024, in a deal reportedly worth over €50 million. His move was part of a broader agreement that saw Juventus youngsters Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea head to Aston Villa in a separate deal valued at £22 million .
The couple’s simultaneous transfers to Juventus have been described as a “dream” come true. Lehmann shared, “For Douglas and I to be together at the same club is a dream. We have often played in different cities, so being able to be in the same place is wonderful” . Their reunion in Turin allows them to support each other’s careers more closely, a dynamic they both value deeply.
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Off the Pitch: Advocacy and Influence
Beyond her on-field prowess, Lehmann is a prominent figure off the pitch, boasting over 17 million Instagram followers. She has leveraged her platform to advocate for gender equality in football, highlighting disparities in pay between male and female players. Lehmann has openly discussed the significant wage gap, noting that while her partner Luiz earns a substantial salary, she and her female counterparts often face financial inequities in the sport .
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Challenges and Future Prospects
While Lehmann has quickly adapted to her new environment, Luiz has faced challenges, including injuries and form issues that have limited his impact on the pitch. Speculation has arisen regarding a potential loan move for Luiz to regain form, which could test the couple’s ability to maintain their shared professional journey in Turin .
Despite these hurdles, Lehmann remains focused on her objectives with Juventus Women, aiming to contribute significantly to the team’s success in domestic and European competitions. Her integration into the squad has been seamless, and her performances continue to endear her to fans and teammates alike.
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