A new manager means a new era for Chelsea Women who have completed their sixth signing of the transfer window. Sonia Bompastor has seen some players leave but the side has restocked over the summer and boasts a healthy-looking squad despite long-term injuries to Sam Kerr, Mia Fishel, and Aniek Nouwen.
Chelsea Women Sign Maelys Mpome
New Defensive Signing
The departures of Jess Carter and Maren Mjelde left the Blues defence looking a bit thin with Kadeisha Buchanan, Millie Bright, and Nathalie Bjorn left as the only recognised centre-backs (aside from Swiss army knife Sjoeke Nusken who can play anywhere). The signing of Lucy Bronze added some cavalry but at 32, she likely won’t feature across all competitions.
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Enter Maelys Mpome, a young French defender who has gained some experience playing in the heart of the defence for Montpellier over the past three seasons. In the club’s announcement post, she was described as “tall and athletic” a profile which is sure to come in handy against some of the more physical strikers in the WSL.
Since making her way into the first team at 17, she has made 57 appearances in France’s top division and ranked as one of the best centre-backs in the league for tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes. Statistically, she was also strong at progressive carries which could see her used as a line breaker.
Chelsea Women’s Other Transfer Activity
As mentioned before, the defensive side has been bulked up through the additions of Bronze and Mpome. But the rest of the squad hasn’t been ignored in the Bompastor era. Young starlet Julia Bartel was pried away from Barcelona and adds to the midfield numbers along with Oriane Jean-Francois who joined from PSG.
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The departures of Melanie Leupolz, Jessie Fleming (in January), and Katerina Svitkova left them needing some reinforcements in midfield so Francois especially should feature as soon as she’s match-ready.
In attack, the area where the Blues are arguably strongest, only Sandy Baltimore was added. The former PSG attacker will likely operate out on the wing. Youngster Louna Ribadeira was also signed but she’ll spend this campaign out on loan. The exciting young attacker has already been capped by the French national team despite her young age.
