Chelsea have signed USA international forward Catarina Macario in a huge deal for the Blues.
The club confirmed Macario will join the club on July 1 when her contract with French giants Olympique Lyonnais expires. After two years in France with Lyon, Macario will join Chelsea next month on a free transfer and will sign a three-year deal until 2026.
The 23-year-old forward hasn't played since June last year after suffering an ACL injury and she confirmed last month she won't be ready for this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, insisting her full focus is on getting fit for her next club season.
"I can’t wait to get started here!’ Macario told chelseafc.com. "I’m really happy to sign for Chelsea and I hope to represent the jersey well over the next few years.
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"I can play either as a No.10 or a more traditional number nine and I’m looking forward to linking up with many good forward players such as Sam [Kerr], Lauren James and Guro [Reiten]. It will be good to play with Kadeisha [Buchanan] again also.
"I’ve been fortunate to have some great experiences in Europe already with Lyon, playing with many top players and of course winning the Champions League also. I hope to carry on those experiences here and bring home the trophy for Chelsea as well!"
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said: "Cat is one of the most intelligent, creative attacking players in the world who I think will blossom in this Chelsea team. She brings a great deal of flair, European experience, and an unbelievable winning mentality. I think our fans will really love her."
Macario becomes the Blues' second signing of the summer, having already announced the arrival of German international Sjoeke Nusken from Frankfurt. In terms of outgoings, both Pernille Harder and Magdalena Eriksson have joined Bayern Munich.
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