Frenchwoman Lou-Ann Joly joins RB Leipzig

Lou-Ann Joly is set to strengthen the women's midfield of Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old Frenchwoman comes to the trade fair city from Stade de Reims. She signed a contract until June 30, 2027, RB announced on Thursday. The U23 international appeared in 21 of 22 matches in the French Division 1 last season, 20 of which were in the starting eleven. The central midfielder scored four goals in the process.

"Despite her young age, Lou-Ann already has a lot of experience at a high level. She impresses in the six-man position with her dynamism and strong tackling skills. She also has a high level of game intelligence and, as a box-to-box player, is able to carry the game forward and support our offense," said Viola Odebrecht, Head of Women's and Girls' Soccer at RB.

The RB women will kick off the new season on July 6 with the start of training. Before that, the team under new head coach Jonas Stephan will undergo performance tests and medical examinations from July 1 to 3. The first test match is then scheduled for July 13 (3 p.m.) against Wroclaw at the Stadion am Bad in Markranstädt. The second pre-season match is scheduled for July 19 (3 p.m.), also in Markranstädt, against Pogon Szczecin, before a training camp three days later in Markt Rieden, Bavaria. A test against FC Bergheim is planned there on July 24. Before the Bundesliga kick-off on August 30, there will then be a test match at Sparta Prague on August 10 (13:00).