Entertainment
German players join English clubs as London City Lionesses build star-filled roster
Nicole Anyomi and other German league players moved to England citing superior resources, even as UEFA rules prevent her new club from playing in Europe.
The short version
- Germany forward Nicole Anyomi joined London City Lionesses from Eintracht Frankfurt as part of a wider wave of players moving from the Frauen-Bundesliga to England.
- London City, backed by investor Michelle Kang, has signed several international stars but remains barred from the UEFA Women's Champions League due to multi-club ownership rules.
- Anyomi is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury ahead of her debut and the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.
- German women's football leaders formed the FBL e.V. to boost commercial revenue and marketing, with plans to take over league operations on July 1.
Key facts
- Nicole Anyomi signed with English club London City Lionesses after recording 50 goals across 101 Bundesliga matches over five seasons at Eintracht Frankfurt.[Deutsche Welle]
- Other Bundesliga players moving to English clubs this summer include Vivien Endemann, Selina Cerci, Carlotta Wamser, and Georgia Stanway.[Deutsche Welle]
- London City Lionesses added notable players including Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, Mary Earps, and Kadidiatou Diani to their squad.[Deutsche Welle]
- UEFA multi-club ownership rules prevent London City from competing in the Women's Champions League because owner Michelle Kang also owns OL Lyonnes.[Deutsche Welle]
- The Frauen-Bundesliga Association (FBL e.V.) was established to increase league revenues and is scheduled to assume management of the German women's top tier on July 1.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- The timing of Nicole Anyomi's debut for London City depends on her recovery timeline from a hamstring injury.[Deutsche Welle]
- It remains unresolved how or if London City can bypass or resolve UEFA's multi-club ownership restrictions to eventually compete in European competitions.[Deutsche Welle]