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Le Sommer Follows Marozsán, Bouhaddi on Loan From Lyon to NWSL's OL Reign
OL Reign has added another big name to its squad with a move for France's all-time women's national team leading goalscorer, Eugénie Le Sommer.
The 31-year-old forward arrives on a season-long loan from parent club Lyon, where she won 10 Division 1 Féminine titles and seven UEFA Champions League trophies in 11 years. Le Sommer is also the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 274 goals and has recorded 86 goals in 175 appearances for France.
Germany defender Dzsenifer Marozsán and France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi will also arrive on loan in June once the FIFA summer transfer window opens, linking up with Megan Rapinoe and reigning Welsh Footballer of the Year Jess Fishlock. And after France and Germany failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, Marozsán, Le Sommer and Bouhaddi will be available throughout the summer, which gives OL Reign an edge in the run to make the NWSL playoffs.
“I'm really excited to join OL Reign, it's a new challenge for me and I'm ready to take it," Le Sommer said in a club statement. “I have been following the league for many years and it’s one of the best leagues in the world.
"I can't wait to play my first game and meet the OL Reign fans at Cheney Stadium. I’m also really happy to enjoy the connection between OL and OL Reign that allows me to stay in OL family.”
The news could become even better for OL Reign, which is reportedly bringing U.S. star Rose Lavelle into the fold as well, according to The Equalizer. The club traded with the Washington Spirit for her NWSL rights prior to her short-term deal with Manchester City. Lavelle, however, would be expected to miss time for the Olympics.
OL Reign earned seven points from four games in the NWSL Challenge Cup and opens the regular season Saturday against the North Carolina Courage.
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Andrew Gastelum is a programming editor and writer at Sports Illustrated who specializes in soccer, the Olympics and international sports. He joined the SI staff in March 2021 and previously contributed to Howler Magazine and NBC Sports. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame alum and is currently based in Italy.