From the Times this morning:
Aston Villa Sporting Director Eni Aluko is understood to be joining new Los Angeles-based franchise Angel City.
Aluko, 34, has been at Aston Villa for 16 months, overseeing a number of new signings as the team transformed to a professional outfit in their first season in the Women’s Super League, securing survival in the division last weekend, three points clear of relegated Bristol City.
Sources have suggested to The Times that her next move will be to Angel City, a club that is viewed as one of the most exciting developments in the women’s game. A number of high-profile owners have backed the club including film stars Natalie Portman and Eva Longoria as well as former USA star Mia Hamm. The move would be an attractive prospect with Aluko having a key influence in shaping the club, using her vast experience in the women’s game.
The club are expected to begin competing in the NWSL, America’s professional top flight, at the start of the 2022 season, which would give Aluko time to have an influence on the setup.
Aluko was one of England’s most successful ever players, with 102 England caps. Her club career also saw her experience life in the America, where she played for a number of clubs from 2009-2012.
It is likely she will leave Aston Villa following a week in which both of their head coaches have departed. Marcus Bignot, who joined the club on a temporary basis to steer the club to survival in January, left on Monday. Bignot and Aluko have a close relationship from her playing days.
Bignot replaced Gemma Davies as manager, who had initially secured promotion to the WSL last summer. Davies remained in her role as head coach but was also informed she would be leaving the club on Monday.