Why captain Tierney stayed as relegated Leicester look to rebuild

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Leicester City are rebuilding after their relegation from the Women’s Super League in May triggered a major summer departure of players. Fourteen players have already left, including several who featured in the play-off defeat by Charlton Athletic, while goalkeeper Janina Leitzig moved to Manchester United and attacking players Hannah Cain, Noemie Mouchon and Jutta Rantala joined Everton.

Amid that turnover, captain Sam Tierney has chosen to stay. The 27-year-old, Leicester’s longest-serving player, signed a new contract in July running until 2028. She told BBC Sport she felt a strong connection to the club and wanted to help it rebuild rather than leave during a difficult period. Tierney joined Leicester in 2020, has made 151 appearances and has played under seven managers.

The club’s relegation followed a poor league campaign in which Leicester won only two of 22 matches and finished with a heavy negative goal difference. There had been concerns about what relegation would mean for the women’s team, including possible changes to where they play and how they are funded. BBC Sport says Leicester have moved quickly to reinvest transfer fees from departing players, and six new signings have already arrived, along with several contract renewals.

Leicester begin their WSL 2 season against Sheffield United on 6 September. Tierney said the aim is promotion, but only in a sustainable way, as the club tries to establish a more stable future in the second tier.