“Oh, it's brilliant! The setting, it's wonderful. The standards of the club are of the highest quality. The structure is great, but you need to give soul, you need to give purpose, you need to bring good work, good energy, positiveness, that we are in a nice place to work, and we have all the ingredients for that.
So, I’m looking forward to it. Tomorrow, I will be with the guys, and you start creating this connection, because this is all about the human connections, for them to feel good. And when you feel good, normally you perform well.”
“I think a strong culture is already in place. There’s an important core within the squad, and those established players have to help the younger ones understand what this club is about.”
“It starts with professionalism, work ethic and recognising that the team always comes first. Through our daily work, we can strengthen that culture, and whatever we build here at Cobham will be reflected at Stamford Bridge and everywhere we play. We’ll have the time to keep developing it.”
Niamh Charles has today completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City, bringing a trophy-laden six-year spell at Chelsea to an end.
Charles leaves the Blues having won five WSL titles, four FA Cups and three League Cups. She played 178 games for us and scored 13 goals, with her consistent, high-quality performances for Chelsea ensuring she has become a regular member of the England squad.
Charles was 21 years old when she arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2020, joining from Liverpool for whom she had impressed against us on several occasions.
Initially used in an attacking role, Charles soon found a home at full-back, with her versatility and two-footedness ensuring she could play on either side. Her maiden campaign at Chelsea concluded with her in the starting XI in the Champions League final.
Charles quickly established herself as an invaluable member of Emma Hayes's all-conquering side, and she marked her 100th Chelsea appearance by scoring in a 4-0 win at West Ham in May 2023 as we closed in on yet another WSL title.
Bartel joined the Blues from Barcelona in the summer of 2024 and made her Chelsea debut in October that year, coming on as a second-half substitute against Twente in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage, before featuring against Celtic in the same competition.
The midfielder then spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid, making 42 appearances in all competitions for Las Rojiblancas as they finished fifth in Liga F.
Former Chelsea chairman and Leeds owner Ken Bates has sadly died aged 94.
Chelsea Statement: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends.
"Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten."
Thought with Suzannah and Ken's family and friends.🙏
Chelsea value Alejandro Garnacho at €50m and want a permanent exit. There have been talks with Roma, but the Serie A side want a loan formula. Chelsea are only looking at a permanent sale.
Garnacho is drawing interest from England, Italy and Saudi.
Like Andrey Santos, he wants to be a regular starter, and Chelsea can’t offer that. Club and player working together to find a solution.
Garnacho is yet to report for training as all parties are focused on an exit.
Progress being made and it is hoped an exit can be facilitated in the next two weeks.🇦🇷
Chelsea sources say that the deal that brought Andrey Santos to England from Vasco da Gama in January 2023 was worth around £10.2m (€12m).
Given this relatively paltry transfer fee had already been reduced in the accounts by three-and-a-half years of amortisation, the fee United have agreed to pay is not far off being pure profit on the books.
Geovany Quenda:
“Chelsea are a great club and I’m excited to play here at Stamford Bridge. The club has shown faith in young players like me, and I’m looking forward to working with Xabi Alonso.”
“I’m a very hard-working person. I want to be known for having the right mentality, helping my team-mates and always giving my best so the club can win trophies.”
We Breathe Blue