Defender, Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea on a free transfer.
Bronze left Barcelona upon expiry of her contract after two seasons in which she scored five goals in 70 appearances, whilst she also helped them to consecutive Liga F, Supercopa de Espana Femenina and Women’s Champions League titles.
Barcelona also won the 2023-24 Copa de la Reina in which Bronze made five appearances.
The 32 year-old has now opted to return to England and play for a fifth different English club, having signed a two-year contract as Chelsea begin a new era under Sonia Bompastor following Emma Hayes’ exit.
Addressing her decision to return to English soil and take on a new challenge with a southern-based club for the first time, Bronze is excited to be back in the English game.
“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. 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.”
Chelsea Women’s 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 began her career at Sunderland and went on to play for both Merseyside rivals, Everton and Liverpool between 2011-14, followed by two stints at Manchester City either side of a spell in France with Lyon.
The right-back also has scored 15 goals in 124 senior appearances for England and was part of the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros and 2023 Women’s Finalissima title-winning squads.
Bronze also was part of the Team GB squad for 2020 Summer Olympics, which reached the Quarter-Finals but lost to Australia in a tense contest.
In total, Bronze has 29 titles across her various clubs and country which included every major domestic trophy on offer within the English game – WSL, Women’s League Cup and Women’s FA Cup.
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