From Manchester City to Barcelona, an unexpected return to the Barcelona squad
This is a truly impressive move by FC Barcelona, which officially marks the return of a star to Catalonia. Trained at La Masia, she returns home eight years after leaving the club. Spanish defender Laia Aleixandri, a free agent since the end of her contract with Manchester City, has signed a contract with Barça until 2029.
At 24, she is an experienced player who is making her return to Catalonia. In addition to her 25 caps for Spain, it is her attachment to Barça that has made the difference: " I grew up with these colors and I learned what it means to defend this crest. I am ready to do it again, " she said in her presentation video.
Having left for Atlético Madrid at a young age in 2017, where she stayed for five years until she was appointed captain, the defender moved to Manchester City in 2022. At the English club, she became the pillar of the Skyblues' defense, allowing her to keep her place with the Spanish national team. Back at FC Barcelona , she comes to fill the gap left by Norwegian Ingrid Engen. In addition, Aleixandri is capable of playing not only in central defense, but also as a sentinel in front of the defense.
Courted by Barça for several months, Aleixandri had already been approached last year without the deal coming to fruition. This time, Catalan sporting director Marc Vives jumped at the chance to finalize her arrival. The Spanish international will now join the national team to compete in the Women's Euro in Switzerland. With Spain, Laia Alexandri won a Nations League in 2024.
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