Chelsea have signed England international Lucy Bronze on a two-year contract following the expiration of her deal with Barcelona.
The reigning Women's Super League (WSL) champions signed the 32-year-old on a free transfer after the right-back spent two seasons with Barcelona, winning nine trophies, including two Champions League titles to add to three successive continental trophies won with Lyon.
He was also part of the Barcelona squad that won an unprecedented quadruple in the 2023-24 season.
The former Manchester City defender will join new Chelsea assistant Camille Abily, who was part of the coaching staff when Bronze played for Lyon from 2017 to 2020.
Chelsea also have a new manager, former Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor, following the departure of Emma Hayes to the U.S. women's national team. Bronze is the team's third signing this summer following the acquisitions of Julia Bartel and Sandy Baltimore from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
“Knowing I'm a Chelsea player is still a bit surreal,” Bronze said in a club statement. “Obviously, it's a club I know a lot about and have been supporting for a long time. I'm really excited to be back in England. My family are also really excited to be able to watch more of my games.”
“I'm excited to be in London, to see what the capital has to offer and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.”
Sources told ESPN that Bronze was set to move to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in North America, however a late but big offer from the seven-time WSL champions saw the defender return to England.
ESPN first reported that Chelsea were keen to sign the defender earlier this month.
Bronze is one of her country's most experienced and illustrious players, having played more than 400 matches in her career.
As well as securing league titles with Liverpool, City, Lyon and Barcelona, Bronze has played a pivotal role in a number of international tournaments, including the Lionesses' triumphant campaign at Euro 2022.
She has received multiple individual honours and finished second in the 2019 Women's Ballon d'Or voting.
