Leicester City Women head into the 2025-26 Women's Super League (WSL) season facing a period of adjustment and uncertainty. Just eleven days before their opening match, the club parted ways with manager Amandine Miquel, a decision that has turned their pre-season preparations "upside down". Miquel's departure appears harsh, considering she was in the process of building a team after a challenging first year marked by significant injury setbacks.
Last season saw Leicester finish in 10th place, a result that, while not spectacular, represented their highest WSL points tally to date. They achieved this despite a string of injuries to key players, including Jutta Rantala, Lena Petermann, and Noémie Mouchon, with Shana Chossenotte also troubled by recurrent injury issues. The team's resilience was tested as defensive midfielder Saori Takarada and Ruby Mace were even tried out in the No. 9 role to compensate for the lack of available forwards. A turning point came with an impressive 1-1 draw against Chelsea in December, which propelled them to a stronger finish. Ultimately, Leicester's success was built on solid defensive play, quick transitions, and a reliance on young players, all hallmarks of Miquel's management.
However, the summer has brought significant player turnover, with seven players leaving the club, leading to a loss of experience. Lena Petermann, Saori Takarada, and CJ Bott have all returned home, while Sophie Howard's move to FC Como and Yuka Momiki's transfer to Everton are considerable blows. So far, only three players have joined Leicester. Katie Keane, an 18-year-old goalkeeper from Shamrock Rovers and one of the Republic of Ireland's brightest young talents, has been signed. The experienced midfielder Celeste Boureille has also joined the team.
Looking ahead, Leicester's prospects for the 2025-26 season are uncertain. The Guardian writers' predict a 12th-place finish. The change in management so close to the start of the season adds an element of instability. The team is set to begin their WSL campaign against Manchester United on September 7, followed by fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea. The club has stated that the squad is continuing its preparations under the wider coaching team while the process of appointing a new manager is underway.
Despite the challenges, Leicester City Women have shown resilience and determination in recent years. They transitioned into a full-time professional outfit ahead of the 2020/21 season and celebrated by winning promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history. In 2023–24, Leicester reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time. With the right leadership and some shrewd recruitment, they can aim to build on their progress and establish themselves as a competitive force in the WSL.
