Chelsea Women have successfully secured the services of England midfielder Keira Walsh from Barcelona in a high-profile deadline-day transfer, according to several sources.
The deal, reportedly worth around £500,000, marks a significant return to the Women’s Super League (WSL) for the talented playmaker.
Walsh, who played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s back-to-back Champions League triumphs and league title wins, is set to undergo a medical in London. With her Barcelona contract due to expire this summer, the 27-year-old was eager for a return to English football.
BREAKING: Chelsea have agreed a deal with Barcelona for Keira Walsh 🚨
Walsh will have a medical in London and a deal is expected to be concluded before the 11pm deadline. pic.twitter.com/oYn1ljNf2u
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) January 30, 2025
A standout figure on both the domestic and international stage, Walsh has earned 80 caps for England and was instrumental in the Lionesses’ victory at the 2022 European Championships and their impressive run to the 2023 World Cup final.
This move continues Chelsea’s ambitious transfer strategy, following the world-record £900,000 acquisition of American defender Naomi Girma earlier this month. Should the Walsh deal be finalized, it will rank as the fourth most expensive transfer in women’s football history.
Chelsea, currently undefeated and topping the WSL table, aim to strengthen their already formidable squad as they push for further league dominance and Champions League success.
Walsh initially joined Barcelona from Manchester City in 2022 for a then-record £400,000 fee. Her return to English football signals Chelsea’s ongoing commitment to assembling a world-class roster capable of challenging for silverware on all fronts.
