Niamh Charles has today completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City, bringing a trophy-laden six-year spell at Chelsea to an end.
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.
Chelsea can confirm Julia Bartel has joined Juventus on a permanent transfer.
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.
Bartel embarked on a loan move to Liverpool during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, featuring in seven matches in all competitions.
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.
Garnacho is drawing interest from England, Italy and Saudi as Chelsea set to offload the Player
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.🇦🇷
Granit Xhaka possibility of coming to Chelsea is seemingly off
Midfielder Granit Xhaka is set to stay at Sunderland this summer despite attracting interest from Chelsea.
Xhaka is under contract to 2028 at the Stadium of Light and had been keen on the idea of the move.
However, following discussions, he has pledged his commitment to Sunderland and is set to remain at the Stadium of Light, where he is considered a key figure.
Malo Gusto is appreciated by Enzo Maresca at Manchester City,
Malo Gusto is appreciated by Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, Enzo Maresca is a big fan of Malo Gusto, and he is a player they are considering.
But Manchester City made clear that they are not paying £75 million, the valuation made by Chelsea.
So unless the price drops later this summer, or Man City will go for a different fullback, that's the situation for Malo Gusto.
Chelsea have not given up hope on acquiring Xhaka despite Sunderland’s stance.
Chelsea are still pursuing Granit Xhaka, despite Sunderland immediately rejecting an £8 million bid. The 33-year-old midfielder is reportedly very interested in a transfer to Stamford Bridge to reunite with new manager Xabi Alonso, who coached him to an undefeated Bundesliga title.
"Will Xabi Alonso get his man? Despite Sunderland’s firm stance, Chelsea are reportedly refusing to give up their pursuit of Granit Xhaka. The 33-year-old midfielder—who enjoyed a wildly successful, unbeaten spell under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen—is said to be highly keen on a move to West London. The Black Cats have already pushed back on the initial approach, but with the transfer window heating up, this saga could see further developments."
Chelsea are in club to club talks with Rayo Vallecano for Pep Chavarría as new left back.
Chelsea have opened talks with Rayo Vallecano and are growing in confidence that Chavarria, who can play left back and wing back, will move to Stamford Bridge.
Pep Chavarria is a player that Xabi Alonso and his staff know well. Chelsea have also been scouting him, he’s keen on the move to #CFC, some initial contacts. Don’t forget about Xhaka and Lacroix too. Chelsea are very busy at the moment.
Chelsea are ready to break the bank for Palestra
Chelsea are prepared to offer more than €50m for Marco Palestra, while Inter have been in advanced talks at €45m plus €5m for a week.
#CFC would also offer higher salary than Inter. Decision up to player and Atalanta now.
🇧🇷 Chelsea also asked for Wesley but AS Roma insist to keep him.
Currently, Chelsea advancing for Palestra at rapid pace. Palestra leaning towards Alonso’s project + agreement expected inside 24 hours.
Marc Cucurella: “Yes, I spoke to José Mourinho. He told me that he wants to work with me and that gave me confidence”.
Marc Cucurella: “It’s not easy to leave Chelsea. I am very grateful for everything Chelsea has given me but the step I take now is bigger: I return to my country and to a great club”
Marc Cucurella: “Yes, I spoke to José Mourinho. He told me that he wants to work with me and that gave me confidence”.
“I really want to play under him, I CAN’T WAIT for it”.
Marc Cucurella: “I was happy at Chelsea. But in life sometimes you need to change and you start new chapters that you don't expect”.
Cucurella on his past at Barcelona: “Reaction from those around Barça? You have to respect the opinions”.
“I am very grateful for everything Barcelona gave me. When Real Madrid insists so much, it is very DIFFICULT to reject and I had NO doubts”. ⚪️
Marc Cucurella: “The transfer to Real Madrid happened very fast. It took 36 hours. I was so happy!”.
“They called me in the morning and told me that the clubs had talked about everything, that if I wanted to go there. I had no doubt, it was a big step for my career”. 🫱🏻🫲🏼
Katie McCabe joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Arsenal
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is joining Chelsea on a free transfer. The 30-year-old left-back agreed to a three-year deal following her exit from Arsenal, expressing her lifelong fandom and excitement to win trophies at Stamford Bridge.
In a massive move for the Women’s Super League (WSL), Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Katie McCabe on a free transfer. Following the expiration of her contract with London rivals Arsenal, the talented left-back is officially joining the Blues.
Contract & Career Details:
Position: Left-back / Wing-back
Contract: 3-year deal (running until June 30, 2029) with the option for an additional year.
Effective Date: July 1 2026, upon the expiration of her current Arsenal deal.
McCabe has established herself as one of the standout players of the WSL era, making over 300 appearances and helping Arsenal secure major silverware, including a Women's Champions League title. Now, she is swapping north London for west London in what marks one of the most high-profile transfers between the two rival clubs.
A lifelong Chelsea fan, McCabe expressed immense excitement about this new chapter:
"It's a new chapter in my career. This is something that I feel I'm ready for right now... I'm so looking forward to walking out at Stamford Bridge as a home player, being around the fan base and competing for trophies on all fronts. This club has been successful for so many years. I want to keep pushing and driving that, and for me, it's about bringing that success back to Chelsea."
We Breathe Blue