Goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton has joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Aston Villa.
Following two years at Villa, Hampton decided not to sign a new contract which ultimately led her to leave on a free transfer once her contract expired last Friday (30 June).
Hampton subsequently decided to join Women’s Super League and Women’s FA Cup champions, Chelsea on a three-year contract until June 2026, where she will challenge
Speaking about her decision to make the move to Stamford Bridge, Hampton commented: “I’m very excited! It’s a massive club, it’s an honour to be a part of this and to be able to wear the club’s badge.
“I want to keep improving, to help the team however I can and I’d love to win some trophies with the club at the same time.”
Manager, Emma Hayes added: “There is no doubt that Hannah is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world.
“Her performances have been improving year on year, and we have high hopes for her future with us.”
Chelsea Women’s General Manager, Paul Green added that the club are “delighted” to sign the “very talented” Hampton on a free transfer.
Hampton began her career with Spain’s Villarreal at youth level between 2005 – 2010 before she moved to Stoke City’s Centre of Excellence upon her parents’ return to England, which led her to join Birmingham City in 2016 where she went on to make 64 senior appearances.
July 2021 saw Hampton move to Villa on a two-year contract across which she made 43 appearances, and was part of their memorable FA Cup run to the semi-finals where they narrowly lost to eventual winners – Chelsea.
Hampton represents England in international football but initially was only called up as a training player in 2020, before she received her first competitive call-up in October 2021 for Women’s World Cup Qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Latvia.
The 22 year-old however had to wait until February 2022 before she made her senior debut in a goalless draw against Spain in the Arnold Clark Cup, which was the first of two appearances to date as she also started in a 10-0 away win against North Macedonia in April 2022.
Last year also saw Hampton feature in England’s successful UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 winning squad on home soil.
Hampton is currently on international duty for England after she had been named in Sarina Wiegman’s Women’s World Cup squad, and will join up with Chelsea in late August once the tournament is concluded.
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