Spirit lands Leicy Santos as summer signing

“As an institution, the Spirit has been home to some top players,” Santos said in a news release. “ … I’m ready to join them after finishing up my time with Atlético these next few months to see what I can do to add to the legacy.”

General Manager Mark Krikorian hinted at Santos’s arrival before the Spirit’s season opener last month, telling reporters that the club had made an international signing it wasn’t ready to announce.

Santos will join Giráldez, currently winding down his time coaching Barcelona, in joining the Spirit after the Spanish season concludes in June. She has racked up 17 goals and 16 assists over more than 100 appearances for Atlético since joining the club in 2019.

Typically deployed as a central or left-sided midfielder, Santos will bolster a Spirit attack led by winger Trinity Rodman, rookie playmaker Croix Bethune and forwards Ashley Hatch and Ouleymata Sarr. After winning the 2021 NWSL title but missing the playoffs each of the past two seasons, the Spirit is off to a 2-1-0 start under interim coach Adrián González.

This won’t be Santos’s first stateside stint: The Lorica, Colombia, native played for Iowa Central Community College during its run to the 2015 national title.

“Leicy is a phenomenal addition for this team,” Krikorian said. “Her technical abilities on the pitch are world-class and she has provided a winning edge to her teams at all levels.”

Giráldez added: “Bringing Leicy to the Spirit is an important step in taking this team forward. She is relentless in the attacking third and can create opportunities at will with her passing. We are thrilled to have her.”