Chelsea Set to Sign Lucy Bronze on a Free Transfer
Chelsea Football Club is poised to make a major signing in the women’s game, as they close in on an agreement to sign England international Lucy Bronze on a free transfer. The 32-year-old defender will join the defending Women’s Super League champions after her contract with Barcelona expires this month.
Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea will reunite her with assistant manager Camille Abily, who previously coached her at Lyon. During their time together, Bronze played a crucial role in Lyon’s success, winning three consecutive Women’s Champions League titles from 2018 to 2020. At Barcelona, she continued her winning streak, securing back-to-back European crowns and contributing to a treble of silverware in the 2023-24 season.
Chelsea, recognizing the opportunity to sign a player of Bronze’s caliber for free, moved quickly to secure her services. New Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, who took over from Emma Hayes this summer, was particularly drawn to Bronze’s qualities as a player. This signing marks the first high-profile addition to Bompastor’s squad and is expected to strengthen an already talented and successful team.
Bronze’s track record speaks for itself, with league titles won at Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon, and Barcelona. She has also been a key figure in the England national team’s recent success, playing an instrumental role in their victory at Euro 2022 and their journey to the 2023 World Cup final.
While Barcelona did offer Bronze a contract extension, she was not guaranteed a prominent role in the team due to competition from Spanish full-back Ona Batlle. Chelsea, on the other hand, sees her as a valuable addition to their squad and believes that her experience and winning mentality will further enhance their chances of success.
In addition to the imminent signing of Bronze, Chelsea recently secured the services of 20-year-old Spanish midfielder Julia Bartel from Barcelona on a three-year deal, with an option for an additional year. Meanwhile, Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey made a move to Arsenal earlier this week, further highlighting the dynamic nature of the transfer market in women’s football.
Bronze’s return to the Women’s Super League will undoubtedly be welcomed by fans and fellow players alike. Her arrival at Chelsea adds another layer of excitement and anticipation to the upcoming season, as the team looks to defend their title and continue their dominance in English women’s football.