In a major statement of intent, Manchester United Women have secured the signature of German international striker Lea Schüller. The 28-year-old arrives at Carrington with a formidable reputation, having scored 54 goals in 82 appearances for her country and joins on a contract until June 2029, signalling the peak years of her career will be spent in the Women's Super League.
A Proven Goal-Scorer Arrives at Carrington
The move addresses a clear need for United, who have seen no player score more than 10 league goals in a single season since their WSL promotion in 2019. In stark contrast, Schüller has surpassed that tally for seven consecutive seasons in Germany's top-flight Frauen Bundesliga. Her proven, consistent scoring ability is precisely the profile the club has been seeking.
Daniel Kraus, who coached Schüller at SGS Essen between 2016 and 2019, believes the transfer is a perfect match. "It could be a win-win situation for Lea and for Manchester United," he said. "She has everything to be a world-class striker – fast, two great feet, good with the head, and strong." Kraus, now coaching Wolfsburg's U20 side, highlighted how United's style could unlock her full potential, particularly with service from players like Fridolina Rolfö and Ella Toone.
How Schüller's Game Fits the United System
Schüller herself has identified a strong tactical fit, noting the team's crossing prowess aligns perfectly with her strengths. "I'm a very direct player so my strength is the speed and headers," she told MUTV. "The team looks like it makes many crosses so that's perfect for me." Statistics from Opta support this, showing United are rated fourth in the WSL for crosses this season, with players like Jayde Riviere and Anna Sandberg providing frequent delivery from wide areas.
Kraus recalls developing Schüller's all-round game at Essen, working on her defensive pressing while harnessing her natural instincts. "She played straight down the middle '99% of the time'," he noted, emphasising her role as a classic central striker whose best attributes are inside the penalty area.
Confidence and Familiar Faces Key to Settlement
Beginning her career at Hülser SV before prolific spells at Essen and Bayern Munich, where she scored over 100 goals, Schüller is known to thrive on confidence. Her transition to English football may be smoothed by the presence of former teammates Dominique Janssen and Julia Zigiotti Olme at United.
With her lethal record, physical attributes, and a playing style that dovetails with the team's tactics, Lea Schüller's arrival represents one of the most significant signings of the WSL season. If she adapts quickly to the league's physical demands, she could not only propel United to new heights but also rejuvenate her role within the German national team setup.
