Lucy Bronze, a highly successful English international defender, has just signed with Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona. The 32-year-old has had an impressive career at the top level, including two successful seasons with Barcelona and winning the Liga F and Champions League double in both years.
Despite being offered a contract extension at Barcelona, Bronze decided to leave as she was not guaranteed a starting role due to competition from Spain full-back Ona Batlle. However, Chelsea did not want to miss out on signing such a talented player, especially when she became available for free. New Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor was attracted to Bronze’s skills and saw her as an important addition to the team following the departure of Emma Hayes.
Bronze’s move to Chelsea reunites her with former Lyon assistant manager Camille Abily, with whom she won three consecutive Women’s Champions League titles from 2018 to 2020. During her time at Barcelona, Bronze also won back-to-back European crowns as part of a treble of silverware in the 2023-24 season.
Chelsea sees Bronze’s addition as a way to strengthen their already talented and successful squad while Bronze is excited to return to the Women’s Super League following her time in Spain. In addition to signing Lucy Bronze, Chelsea recently welcomed Barcelona’s 20-year-old Spanish midfielder Julia Bartel on a three-year deal with a one-year option and Arsenal signed Mariona Caldentey this week further highlighting the movement of talent in women’s football across top clubs.
