Lucy Bronze joins Chelsea in latest signing of new Sonia Bompastor era

Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea Women in the latest high-profile signing from the Women's Super League champions.

The Lionesses right-back joins the Blues on a two-year deal after departing Champions League winners Barcelona upon the expiry of her contract.

Bronze is the latest signing for Chelsea, who are now under the aegis of new manager Sonia Bompastor following long-time manager Emma Hayes' departure to join the USWNT as head coach.

Bronze, 32, spent two years with the Spanish giants with whom she won the Women's Champions League twice, while also claiming the league title and Supercopa titles in successive seasons. Bronze claimed seven trophies in total.

The triumphs lift Bronze's title tally in the Women's Champions League to five, having won three European titles with former club Lyon.

On returning to England with Chelsea, Bronze said: "To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. 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."

General manager Paul Green commented: "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."

The Euro 2022 winner returns to the WSL for the first time since a short stint with Manchester City in 2020. Bronze initially left England in 2017 when she joined French behemoths Lyon, before returning to City for a short spell before joining Barcelona.

Bronze has won every domestic honour in England during her spells at Sunderland, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City.

On the international stage, Bronze has cut herself one of England's most important veteran players, helping England claim a first-ever major tournament trophy at the European Championships in 2022 and reach a first-ever World Cup final last summer.