Chelsea have signed England defender Bronze.

Chelsea have signed England defender Lucy Bronze on a free transfer. The 32-year-old has penned a two-year contract after leaving Barcelona when her contract expired last month, reports Football Scores Today.

“To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels surreal,” said Bronze. “I’m excited to be back in England. My family is also excited to learn more about my games. I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a renowned club for winning so many trophies.”

Bronze boasts an impressive 23 club trophies, including five Champions League titles and eight domestic league titles. She was also vital to the England team that won Euro 2022.

She is Chelsea’s fourth summer signing, following Julia Bartel, Sandy Baltimore, and Oriane Jean-Francois. She is the most high-profile player to join since Sonia Bompastor succeeded Emma Hayes as manager.

“Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender,” said Chelsea general manager Paul Green. “She has lots of experience and a winning mentality, which we feel will fit well into the squad.”

Bronze won three successive Champions League titles with Lyon and two with Barcelona, the most recent as part of the domestic treble last season. Chelsea assistant manager Camille Abily was part of the coaching staff when Bronze played at Lyon.

Although she was offered a contract extension at Barcelona, Bronze was not guaranteed a starting role due to competition from Spain defender Ona Batlle.

Bronze has previously played for Sunderland, Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City and was named FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year in 2020. She was instrumental in England’s Euro 2022 triumph and helped the team reach last year’s World Cup final.