Chelsea have confirmed the signature of Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe, a move that saw her leave WSL rival, Arsenal.
McCabe was a free agent this summer after her contract with the Gunners expired. She made over 300 appearances for the north London giants after arriving from Shelbourne in 2015, winning the Women’s Champions League last year and the WSL in 2019.
In January 2023 Chelsa made an offer believed to be in the region of £250,000 for McCabe but Arsenal rejected the offer.
Chelsea have now gotten their target on a free transfer.
Katie McCabe left Arsenal as a free agent. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“It’s a new chapter in my career,” the 30-year-old said. “This is something that I feel I’m ready for right now. I’m really excited to get going and show the Chelsea fans how ready I am to perform for the badge.
“I’m so looking forward to walking out at Stamford Bridge as a home player, being around the fan base and competing for trophies on all fronts.
“This club has been successful for so many years. I want to keep pushing and driving that, and for me, it’s about bringing that success back to Chelsea.”
McCabe was involved in a flashpoint against Chelsea in early April. She pulled the ponytail of forward Alyssa Thompson towards the end of their Champions League quarter-final second leg clash, the Gunners prevailing 3-2 on aggregate.
She will now be eager to make a name for herself at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea hope to win the WSL title after being dethroned this year by Manchester City.
Chelsea have claimed six of the last seven WSL titles, before Manchester City’s triumph this year.
