Chelsea sign England defender Bronze

England defender Lucy Bronze has joined Women’s Super League champions Chelsea on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old, who has signed a two-year contract, left Barcelona after her contact expired last month.

“To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal,” said Bronze.

“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.”

Bronze has won 23 club trophies, including five Champions League titles and eight domestic league titles, and was part of the England team that won Euro 2022.

She is Chelsea’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Julia Bartel, Sandy Baltimore and Oriane Jean-Francois, and the most high-profile player to join since Sonia Bompastor succeeded Emma Hayes as manager.

“Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender,” said Chelsea general manager Paul Green.

“She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”

Bronze won three successive Champions League titles with Lyon and two with Barcelona, the most recent as part of the domestic treble last season.

Chelsea assistant manager Camille Abily was part of the coaching staff when Bronze played at Lyon.

She was offered a contract extension at Barcelona but was not guaranteed a starting role amid competition from Spain defender Ona Batlle.

Bronze, who has played for Sunderland, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City, was named Fifa Best Women’s Player of the Year in 2020.

She was a key player in the Euro 2022 triumph and helped England reach the World Cup final last year.