Chelsea have announced the signing of Kadeisha Buchanan on a free transfer from Lyon following the expiration of her contract with the reigning European champions.
Buchanan – considered one of the finest central defenders in world football – joins the Blues after five-and-a-half years in France, where she won 13 major trophies.
The Canadian international has signed a three-year deal, keeping her with the Blues until 2025, and will officially join the club on 1 July.
“I am coming to Chelsea with the same ambition I always had – win trophies and become the best in the world,” said Buchanan. “The club has everything in order for us to compete in every competition and it’s time to bring a Champions League trophy to London.
“I’m hoping to bring my experience to the team and continue on the successful pathway that the club has been on for the past seasons. I can’t wait to join my new teammates and the coaching staff on this journey.”
The 26-year-old has been capped 116 times at senior international level and was an integral part of the Canada side that stormed to a surprise gold medal at last summer’s Olympics; a victory built on defensive solidity, with Bev Priestman’s side conceding just once during the knockout stages.
Buchanan is Chelsea’s second arrival of the summer, following the addition of Eve Perisset.
She joins a Chelsea squad already boasting a strong selection of central defenders, including Magdalena Eriksson, Millie Bright, Aniek Nouwen and the versatile Jess Carter.
However, the added strength in depth will likely be necessary with Emma Hayes frequently opting to play a back three over the past two seasons, and Chelsea expecting to be challenging both domestically and in Europe next term.
“Kadeisha is a serial winner at the top of her game and I have no doubt we are signing a world class player who has proven herself on the world stage,” added Hayes.
“She is going to bring a quality to our group and with her brilliant personality and character, we think she will be really liked within the dressing room. We look forward to welcoming Kadeisha this summer.”
