Sam Tierney commits to Leicester rebuild after WSL relegation

Leicester City captain Sam Tierney has committed to the club’s rebuild after relegation from the Women’s Super League, signing a contract that runs until 2028. BBC Sport reports that the 27-year-old midfielder chose to remain despite a summer exodus following Leicester’s drop to WSL 2 in May.

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Fourteen players have left during the transfer window, including nine who appeared in the WSL play-off defeat by Charlton Athletic. Goalkeeper Janina Leitzig moved to Manchester United, while Hannah Cain, Noemie Mouchon and Jutta Rantala joined Everton. Leicester have responded with six signings, and three other players have renewed their contracts alongside Tierney.

The captain is Leicester’s longest-serving player and has made 151 appearances since joining from Sheffield United in 2020. She helped the club win promotion to the WSL in 2021 and reach the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals in 2024. Tierney told BBC Sport that her connection with Leicester and belief in its potential made her unwilling to leave during a difficult transition.

Last season ended Leicester’s five-year stay in the top division. The women’s team won two of 22 matches and recorded a goal difference of minus 41 after struggling in attack. Those results prompted questions about the team’s budget and future use of King Power Stadium, but player sales have brought in fees that the club has reinvested in the squad.

Tierney said the objective is to build a Leicester side capable of returning to the WSL and remaining there, rather than moving repeatedly between divisions. She acknowledged that the changes will take time. Her own experience spans seven managers, from training at a local park in her early Leicester days to the club’s later development at Belvoir Drive.

Pre-season has brought a win over Rugby Borough, a draw with Manchester United and a defeat by Liverpool. Leicester open their WSL 2 campaign against Sheffield United on 6 September. Tierney said she can feel a change following a period of review and wants the new squad to become exciting in possession, difficult to beat and ready to challenge near the top of the league.