EMMA HAYES has wished Jamie-Lee Napier good luck for the future after Chelsea ended her contract.
The Blues decided to call time on the 21-year old’s Kingsmeadow career following her loan stint with Birmingham City last season.
Napier played 19 times for Brum last season and helped them stay in the Women’s Super League, but the Blues decided to not to bring her back to the club.
Hayes’ implied that the reason why they chose not to extend the Scottish midfielder’s contract was because it’s doubtful she’ll get much playing time.
Which is the reason why the prodigy was initially sent out on loan.
But the Blues boss is still a keen admirer of Napier and believes she has a bright future – albeit not with Chelsea.
She said: “Jamie’s a young player and will continue to improve with regular game time.
“She has a bright future ahead and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.”
Since the news was announced yesterday, Napier is yet to address her departure and it’s not known where’ll she be playing next season.
The ex-Scottish Player of the Year joined the West London side in 2019 in a move which she said was a dream come true.
But she ended up playing just three times in her debut Chelsea campaign.
The WSL champions shipped her out to Birmingham for the following term where she became a regular starter under ex-boss Carla Ward.
Napier was also part of the Brum squad who vented their frustration at the club’s board over poor working conditions.
Chelsea’s decision to get rid of Napier comes amidst a busy transfer period for the club.
They’ve already bolstered their defence with the signing of Aniek Nouwen from PSV Eindhoven.
And it’s rumoured the Champions League finalist have their sights set on Lyon defender Sakina Karchaoui.
Hayes’ side have also been linked with Manchester United striker Lauren James as they aim to strengthen their WSL hold and pursue European glory again.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
