LUCY BRONZE has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving three-time Women’s Champions League winners Barcelona.
The England star’s move to the WSL title holders comes three weeks after the expiration of her contract with the Catalan giants.
Her switch was confirmed by Chelsea a day after she helped England automatic qualify for next year’s Euros in Switzerland
The 125-capped right-back and her team-mates hope to win the tournament for the second time in a row following their 2022 triumph.
Bronze’s transfer will see her return to the Women’s Super League for the first time since leaving Man City two years ago to play in Spain.
It will also see her link up with her England team-mates Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The defender, who has won three WSL titles, describes her Chelsea move as “surreal”.
Bronze said: “I’m really excited to be back in England.
“My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games.
“I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.
“To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal.
“It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time.”
Over the course of a 17-year senior playing career which began in Sunderland in 2007 has lifted five Champions League trophies – two with Barcelona and three her former club Lyon.
And the full-back has won three WSL titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016 during spells with Liverpool and Man City.
Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender.
“She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”
Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea follows a busy month of transfers for the Blues since new boss Sonia Bompastor took charge of the club.
The ex-Lyon head coach has bolstered her midfield options with Julia Bartel and Oriane Jean-Francois joining from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
This follows Melanie Leupolz’s departure for Real Madrid after four years with the Blues.
The club have also strengthened their attacking options by signing of France and former PSG forward Sandy Baltimore following Fran Kirby’s move to WSL rivals Brighton.
Next season the team will chase an eighth top-flight title win and as well pushing to win the Champions League for the first time.
