'My initial reaction was 'no'' - Wafcon winner opens up on unusual move from Leicester to Al-Ittihad

2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations-winning defender Ashleigh Plumptre has has revealed that she initially wanted to turn down an offer from Saudi Arabian Women's Premier League side Al-Ittihad in 2023.

The 27-year-old joined Al-Ittihad following the expiration of her contract with Leicester City, despite receiving offers from clubs across the United States, United Kingdom and Europe. 

Plumptre, who was seeking a fresh challenge where she could feel valued both on and off the pitch, ultimately opted for the move to Al-Ittihad that made her the first player to transfer from the Women's Super League (WSL) to the Saudi Women's Premier League (SWPL).

When her father and agent informed her of Al-Ittihad's interest, Plumptre initially hesitated but decided to explore the opportunity.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Plumptre explained: "I spoke to some teams in the UK, US and Europe, then Dad said there was a team in Saudi Arabia who are interested in you.

"I was shocked. My initial reaction was 'no', but I wanted to give them a chance."

Plumptre stressed that it was the project rather than financial terms that appealed to her. 

"I had an hour-long call with the coach and two people in the management staff, and I said to Dad, 'I have a really good feeling about this'.

"We barely even spoke about football, but about ourselves and what we were passionate about.

"I'm someone who goes off feeling and intuition. But I wanted to go out and visit - I wanted to see what it was really like. 

"I visited for two days and really liked it, and when I left there I thought 'this is where I want to be'."

Born in Leicester, Plumptre is a former England youth international who switched allegiance to Nigeria.

She spent the formative years of her career with Asfordby Amateurs, Birmingham City and Derby County, followed by moves to USC Trojans, Notts County, LA Galaxy OC and Leicester City, where she spent three years.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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