NATHALIE BJORN hopes to help Chelsea maintain their trophy-winning ways after sealing a transfer from WSL rivals Everton.
The Sweden international, 26, was announced as the WSL leaders’ newest player on Wednesday after two-and-a-half years with the Toffees.
The league leaders, who face West Ham in the Women’s FA Cup on fourth round on Sunday, are reported to have met Everton’s release clause for the player earlier this week.
It is thought they paid a six-figure sum for the versatile, central defender who can also play in midfield.
The move saw the club beat off competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The LaLiga Women’s side are thought to have been keen on signing Bjorn who had made 44 WSL appearances for her former club.
Of her Chelsea switch, the ex-Toffees ace said: “It feels amazing to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe I can’t wait to get started to play the big games.
“This league is a really, really good league. I would say it’s the best league we have in the world right now.
“I want to help the team as much possible, I want to win as much as possible.”
Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Nathalie is a very experienced, versatile player that we have been tracking for a long time.
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“She is a leader, has good pace, is good on the ball, and knows our league very well.
“We are really pleased to get the deal over the line and look forward to seeing her make a good impact in the squad now and over the upcoming years.”
Bjorn’s arrival sees Emma Hayes’ side strengthen their defensive ranks following injuries to skipper Millie Bright and defender Aniek Nouwen.
The duo were both sidelined last November and December with Bright being treated for a knee concern and Nouwen rupturing a knee ligament while on national duty with the Netherlands.
And the six-time WSL champions were dealt another injury blow this month with stand-in captain and star striker Sam Kerr crocked.
The Australia skipper sustained an anterior cruciate ligament whilst away on a winter training camp in Morocco with her club pals.
Bjorn, who joined former club Everton in 2021 from Swedish giants Rosengard, made 44 top-flight appearances for the Toffees.
And she helped them finish sixth last season.
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The centre-back, who began her career in 2012 at Vaksala SK, was part of the Sweden side that finished third in the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last August.
She also helped her national side to a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics women’s football tournament in Japan.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
