Chelsea Women sign USA star Catarina Macario in huge summer transfer coup

Chelsea Women have completed the signing of USA forward Catarina Macario.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-year deal in west London and will link up with the Blues on July 1, when her current contract with Lyon expires.

Macario is one of most talented forwards in Europe and signed her first professional contract with Lyon in January 2021.

She played a vital role in helping them win both the French title and Women’s Champions League the following season, scoring 23 goals in 33 games. Macario also became the first American ever to score in a Women’s Champions League final.

At the end of that campaign, she suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury which has sidelined her for the entirety of the 2022-23 season.

The forward is making good progress with her recovery now, though, and will hope to hit the ground running at Chelsea next season.

“Cat is one of the most intelligent, creative attacking players in the world who I think will blossom in this Chelsea team,” said Chelsea boss Emma Hayes.

“She brings a great deal of flair, European experience, and an unbelievable winning mentality. I think our fans will really love her.”