ensea Women have made a significant addition to their squad, signing England midfielder Keira Walsh from Barcelona. The 27-year-old rejoins the Women’s Super League (WSL) on a four-and-a-half-year deal. This move brings Walsh closer to her family after spending two-and-a-half years playing in Spain.
Record-Breaking Transfer
Keira Walsh’s transfer marks a return to English football after her departure from Manchester City in September 2022. She joined Barcelona for a then world-record fee of £400,000, becoming the most expensive female player in the world at that time.
Longing for Home
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t realise how difficult it would be to be away from my family and friends when I went abroad,” Walsh shared on Chelsea’s official website. The midfielder expressed her desire to play closer to home, emphasizing the importance of having her family’s support in the stands.
A Decorated Career
Keira Walsh began her senior career with Manchester City in 2014, where she achieved considerable success. During her time with City, she won one WSL title and three FA Cups. Her move to Barcelona proved fruitful as well, with Walsh adding eight trophies to her collection, including two Champions League titles and two Spanish league titles.
International Success
On the international stage, Keira Walsh has earned 80 caps for England. She played a crucial role in England’s triumph at Euro 2022 and was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in the 2023 World Cup.
Joining a Dominant Force
Keira Walsh joins a Chelsea team that currently sits atop the WSL table with a commanding seven-point lead over Manchester United. Her presence will further bolster Chelsea’s midfield as they look to continue their dominance in the league. Fans can expect to see Walsh in action soon, with Chelsea’s next match scheduled against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Another Record-Breaking Signing for Chelsea
This signing comes on the heels of another historic move by Chelsea. Just days prior, they acquired US defender Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee, reported to be in the region of £900,000. Girma became the first female million-dollar player, signaling Chelsea’s ambition and investment in building a world-class women’s team. The addition of both Walsh and Girma strengthens Chelsea’s squad significantly, positioning them as strong contenders for domestic and international titles.
