The Swedish national team star had lined up classic football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Milan on her CV.
Therefore, it was probably many who were a little surprised when Kosovare Asllani's next club address became relatively unknown London City Lionesses – in the English second division, to boot.
But then the owner, Korean-American businesswoman Michele Kang, also flew personally to Milan to get her to sign last year.
Her vision for the pure women's club was decisive for Asllani's move.
There are many thoughts and plans when you have Michele around you, so a lot is happening, says the Swede.
It's like I've said from the start, everyone who is part of this journey from the beginning will remember it. Because this will be a top team in the top league very soon.
Michele Kang, who was already the majority owner of Washington Spirit and French top team Lyon, bought into the London club in December 2023 with the stated goal of taking the club to the Super League.
More Swedes
It also attracted Asllani's national team colleague Sofia Jakobsson and national team-merited Julia Roddar to sign.
It's a club that invests incredibly much. And fun to play with two Swedes, says Sofia Jakobsson.
It feels like there's something big going on in the club.
London City was close to being relegated from the second division last year. But thanks to, among others, the Swedish newcomers, the dream of a spot in the top league is now tantalizingly close.
Finally in the Lead
The "Lionesses" finally managed to take the lead in the English second division before the last national team break.
Yes, bloody hell, how nice. We've had one match less played all the time. So it's been a bit messy to be behind there, says Kosovare Asllani.
But now we have the same number of matches played and lead by two points.
Now only three matches remain. In that situation, it's not so strange that even experienced players like Kosovare Asllani have started looking up towards the top league.
Yes, of course, you do that, 100 percent. At the same time, we have a young team and when they start to get a bit carried away, you have to bring them down, says she.
There's been pressure all season, of course, with the investments that have been made in the club. But we have everything in our own hands. It's going to be exciting.
London City Lionesses was founded in 2019 as a breakaway from Millwall.
In December 2023, Korean-American businesswoman Michele Kang bought into the club as the new majority owner. Kang was previously the majority owner of Washington Spirit and Lyon as well.
London City plays in the English second division and plays its home matches at Hayes Lane in Bromley, southeast of London.
With three rounds left of the league, the club leads by two points ahead of Birmingham.
Remaining matches:
18 April: Southampton–London City.
27 April: London City–Durham.
4 May: Birmingham–London City.
