Back in January, City secured a six-month loan deal for goalkeeper Leitzig who would see out the rest of the 2022/23 season with Leicester, and play a vital part in the team’s Barclays Women’s Super League survival.
Ahead of the new campaign, the Foxes confirmed that the German penned a two-year permanent deal, keeping the former Bayern Munich ‘keeper on Filbert Way until 2025. After signing the contract, the 24-year-old said that she was over the moon to be able to extend her stay in the East Midlands.
“I’m really happy to have signed a contract with the Club, and to stay here for the next two years,” Leitzig stated. “I’m excited for the next season.”
“I really enjoyed the last half of the year that I was with Leicester – everyone was so nice, and I had a lot of fun with my team-mates here. The Club has huge potential and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come next.
“It’s nice to know what next season brings – having already signed the contract so early means I can look forward to pre-season and getting going again.
“I had a lot of fun during the last season that I was here, and it was great to be able to play my part in such a remarkable second half of the campaign, which required a big team effort. I’m looking forward to seeing what more we can achieve."
Making an instant impression during a 3-0 debut win over Brighton & Hove Albion, Leitzig went on to keep five clean sheets last season, tallying up 66 saves which was the second highest in the WSL - not bad for a winter signing.
A fan favourite on and off the pitch, the 6ft stopper was keen to share how welcoming everyone was when she first arrived in Leicestershire, and that the joy she’s shared with her team-mates, along with the Club’s ambition going forward, was the reason behind wanting to stay.
“It was easy for me to transition here in January because everyone was so friendly and welcoming,” she continued. “From the first moment I felt really good here and I think you could see that on the pitch.
“I think it’s important for the women’s team to play their games at King Power Stadium – it feels like home. For the fans, it’s also nice that they get to come along on a Sunday and watch us at such a big stadium. The fans' support really helped us last year, so I’m looking forward to seeing them again next season.
“I’m just very happy that it’s now official and people know that I’m staying. I’m excited for next season, we have big goals and I’m looking forward to joining up with my team-mates and potentially new ones too.
“The main aim is that we improve on last season so that we’re not in another relegation battle. We’d like to be looking higher up the table and solidifying ourselves as a WSL side.”