Chelsea Acquires England Defender Lucy Bronze on Free Transfer

In a notable move, 32-year-old England defender Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea, the Women's Super League champions, on a free transfer, SSP reported.

Bronze, who recently left Barcelona after her contract expired, has committed to a two-year contract with the club. The experienced player expressed her excitement about returning to England, highlighting the anticipation of her family to witness more of her games. She also expressed her enthusiasm about being in London, experiencing the culture of the capital, and joining a club renowned for its remarkable trophy record.

Bronze's impressive career boasts an impressive collection of 23 club trophies, including five Champions League titles and eight domestic league titles. She played a crucial role in England's triumph at Euro 2022. As Chelsea's fourth signing this summer, following the arrivals of Julia Bartel, Sandy Baltimore, and Oriane Jean-Francois, Bronze stands as the most high-profile addition since Sonia Bompastor took over as manager.

General Manager Paul Green emphasized the leadership and winning mentality that Bronze would bring to the team, underscoring her extensive experience and versatility as a defender. Having previously clinched three successive Champions League titles with Lyon and two with Barcelona, Bronze's arrival bolsters Chelsea's defensive prowess.

Bronze's decision to join Chelsea comes after cautious consideration. While she received a contract extension offer from Barcelona, the guaranteed starting role she desired could not be assured due to competition from Spain defender Ona Batlle. The accomplished player, who has represented clubs such as Sunderland, Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City throughout her career, was honored with the prestigious FIFA Best Women's Player of the Year award in 2020.

Notably, Bronze played under the guidance of Chelsea assistant manager Camille Abily during her time at Lyon, adding another layer of familiarity to her move to the club. With her exceptional contributions to England's triumph in Euro 2022, as well as her role in guiding the national team to the World Cup final last year, Bronze's arrival at Chelsea promises to further strengthen their squad.