Matsukubo – Hall – Bronze in Chelsea transfer news

Here is a roundup of the top Chelsea transfer news that you guys could have missed..

Manaka Matsukubo says she is “so excited” to begin the next chapter of her career after completing a five-year move to Chelsea, with the Japanese forward becoming the latest addition to the Women’s Super League champions.

The 22-year-old joins the Blues from North Carolina Courage after establishing herself as one of the brightest young attacking talents in the National Women’s Soccer League. Capable of playing as a striker, second forward or out wide, Matsukubo arrives in west London with a growing reputation for her technical ability, intelligent movement and eye for goal.

Speaking after her CHELSEA move was confirmed, Matsukubo expressed her delight at joining one of Europe’s leading clubs: ‘I’m so excited to be joining Chelsea, a club with a lot of history,’ said Matsukubo.

‘As a small child, I followed Chelsea because it is a club everyone in the world knows about.

‘The club has a strong history of winning trophies and has done so well at the top of the game, so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity, and I want to help continue this club’s tradition of winning trophies for years to come.’

The Japan international is widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising young players, combining pace, creativity and composure in the final third. Her versatility is expected to give Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor additional tactical options throughout what promises to be another demanding campaign.

CHELSEA have continued to invest in emerging talent while maintaining a squad filled with experienced internationals, a strategy that has helped establish the club among the elite sides in European women’s football.

Matsukubo’s signing reflects that long-term vision, with the forward expected to continue her development alongside some of the game’s biggest names

ALONSO TOLD SIGN HALL

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged new head coach Xabi Alonso to consider a move for Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall, suggesting the England international could be an ideal long-term replacement for Marc Cucurella.

Reports linking Hall with a return to Stamford Bridge have emerged amid ongoing speculation over Chelsea’s defensive plans ahead of the new season. Hasselbaink believes the academy graduate possesses the quality, versatility and familiarity with the club to thrive if an opportunity arose.

Hall came through CHELSEA‘s youth system and made his senior breakthrough before joining Newcastle, initially on loan, in a deal that later became permanent. Since moving to St James’ Park, he continued his development, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young full-backs with composed displays on both sides of the pitch.

Speaking about Chelsea’s options at left-back, Hasselbaink reportedly argued that Hall has all the attributes required to succeed under Alonso’s tactical approach. The Dutchman is said to view the youngster as a player capable of contributing both defensively and in possession, qualities that have become increasingly important in modern full-back roles.

Asked whether he would ‘prefer’ Chelsea to target Hall, who is valued at around £60m, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink told 10bet: ‘Yeah, I would.

‘Look, I think with Marc Cucurella leaving, they will need to bring somebody in, but they also have Jorrel Hato who can play left-back and finished the season really strongly and really well.

‘But Lewis Hall has been unlucky not to be part of this England World Cup squad – he’s done really well at Newcastle. He used to be at CHELSEAthough, so I don’t know how the club would feel about buying their own player back – most of the time, that’s a bit of an issue psychologically.

‘I think they can go two ways: they can keep Hato as the first-choice left-back and get a younger lad in as backup, or they look at Hall.

‘But if Lewis Hall comes, he’s going to want to come to play, isn’t he? Because he’s playing regularly at Newcastle. So then it becomes a real battle.

‘But I do like Lewis; I think he’s done exceptionally well. He’s really worked on himself, improved, and he’s a very good player.’

BRONZE BUZZING

Lucy Bronze has spoken about how much she still has so much to give Chelsea after agreeing a new contract with the club until 2027.

The England international has agreed fresh terms after an impressive spell at CHELSEAwith the new deal underlining Chelsea’s commitment to maintaining an experienced core as they continue to compete for domestic and European honours.

‘You know, as you get older and you gain more experience, you become a leader regardless of what team you’re in and who you’re with,’ Bronze explains. ‘Apart from Becky (Spencer), I’m the oldest and the most experienced, so I’ve probably just got a little bit more of that to give.

‘We have lots of other players like that who have all different types of experience and lead in different ways. We’ve got a good group to help lead and give experience to the team.

‘Understanding the history of the game, of each club, the league and the national team, I feel is really important. You can pass that knowledge on to the younger players because the game’s in a good place, but it’s still not in the best place it could be.

‘I think we need to remind ourselves where we’ve come from and where we still have to go. There’s always something to be done to push the game on – and the players have to be the biggest advocates of that.

‘We can’t just sit back and expect other people to push and advocate for the game that we love. That’s why it’s important to share my experiences, so players understand that it’s a big responsibility and we all have to make sure we can keep driving the game for the people who come after us.

‘I love that the game’s in a better place now than it was when I was in my twenties, and I watch the girls in their twenties now, and I think, “Oh, what, what an amazing time they’re going to have and what amazing careers they’re going to have because the game’s in a better place.”

‘I hope they do that for the next group and the next generation.’

‘I feel at home here, so it’s been nice. I’ve been able to connect with so many people in England and in London, which has been amazing. I’ve played against CHELSEA a lot in my career. They’ve always been a difficult team to play against because of the fans, so it’s good to be on the other side of it now.

‘Whether that’s the local fans I meet, even just walking around in Wimbledon, London or Surrey, or being in the stadiums and seeing the fans there, they’ve all been amazing these last two years. I’m excited for them that I’m carrying on here.’

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