Chelsea have completed the signing of France forward Sandy Baltimore on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Women’s Super League champions to keep her at the club until 2028, as reported by The Athletic last month.
The move will see Baltimore link up with new Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor after the former Lyon boss was confirmed as Emma Hayes’ successor last month. Chelsea, however, had been keeping tabs on the talented winger way before the appointment of compatriot Bompastor.
Baltimore, who has made over 200 appearances for PSG and has a fair amount of Champions League experience, is a versatile attacking midfielder who can play on either wing. As a left-footed player, she will provide more balance to the squad.
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“I’m very happy to join Chelsea,” said Baltimore. “It feels incredible. I have always wanted to play for Chelsea and now look, it has happened!”
General manager Paul Green added: “Sandy has gained a wealth of experience in France including within the UEFA Women’s Champions League and will bring more competition to the squad.”
The France international has spent the entirety of her senior career at PSG but her contract expired this summer. She made 18 league appearances last season, scoring seven goals as PSG finished runners-up to Bompastor’s Lyon.
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Baltimore broke into the first team in 2016 and was part of the PSG side that won the 2020-21 Division One Feminine title, ending Lyon’s 14 years of dominance, and reached the 2017 Champions League final. She has been capped 28 times by France since her senior debut in 2020 and was part of their Euro 2022 squad.
This summer is one of change at Chelsea following Hayes’ departure to the USWNT after 12 years in charge. The long-serving Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde have also both left the club following the conclusion of their contracts, while Sam Kerr’s new two-year deal was announced in May.
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Chelsea have also confirmed the signing of 19-year-old Barcelona midfielder Julia Bartel on a free transfer, as reported by The Athletic in May.
Chelsea won the 2023-24 WSL title after victory over Manchester United on the final day of the season.
(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
