Chelsea are set to sign England international Lucy Bronze on a free transfer once her Barcelona contract expires.
The defending Women’s Super League champions are nearing an agreement for a two-year deal with an option to extend for an additional year.
Bronze, 32, will leave Barcelona at the end of her contract this month.
The former Manchester City defender will reunite with Chelsea assistant manager Camille Abily, who was part of the coaching staff at Lyon when Bronze won three consecutive Women’s Champions League titles from 2018 to 2020.
At Barcelona, Bronze achieved back-to-back European crowns as part of a treble of trophies in the 2023-24 season.
Chelsea saw the opportunity to sign a player of Bronze’s calibre for free as too good to miss.
She attracted new Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, marking the first high-profile signing of her tenure after succeeding Emma Hayes this summer.
Bronze is a serial winner, having celebrated league titles with Liverpool, City, Lyon, and Barcelona, and played a key role in England’s victory at Euro 2022 and their journey to the 2023 World Cup final.
Although offered a contract extension at Barcelona, she was not guaranteed a starring role due to competition from Spain full-back Ona Batlle.
Chelsea believes the move will bolster an already talented and successful squad, while Bronze looks forward to returning to the WSL.
On Wednesday, Chelsea signed Barcelona’s 20-year-old Spanish midfielder Julia Bartel on a three-year deal, plus a one-year option.
Additionally, Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey joined Arsenal this week.