Lucy Bronze joins WSL champions Chelsea on two-year deal after Barcelona exit

The 32-year-old Euro 2022 winner says it feels “a little bit surreal” to know that she is now a Blues player.

Lucy Bronze left Barcelona after her contract expired at the end of last month (Zac Goodwin/PA) (PA Wire)

England defender Lucy Bronze has signed for Women’s Super League champions Chelsea on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old won seven trophies including two Champions League titles during a two-year stint with Barcelona but elected against extending her contract which expired last month.

Instead, the former Manchester City and Liverpool full-back will move back to England, signing for the Blues, who have won the past five editions of the WSL.

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

Bronze, who has been capped 125 times by her country and helped them to glory at Euro 2022, won the WSL title with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 and with City in 2016.

Bronze, right, helped England to Euro 2022 glory (Nigel French/PA) (PA Archive)

She left City in 2017 before returning three years later after a stint with Lyon, where she won three consecutive Champions League titles.

Bronze then headed to Barcelona in 2022, playing 70 times in all competitions and scoring five goals.

Chelsea’s general manager Paul Green said: “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.”