Chelsea academy defender pens first professional contract with club

Chelsea have signed academy defender Greta Humphries to her first professional contract.

It sees the 18-year-old remain at the Barclays Women’s Super League club until the summer of 2025, with the option to extend by a further year. Humphries previously represented Tottenham Hotspur and became a Blue in 2022. She has been part of the women's academy for the past two seasons and added an Academy League Cup victory to her experience during the 2022/23 campaign.

Speaking about such a milestone in her early career, Humphries said: "It's a very proud and exciting moment for me and my family. It’s my dream come true to sign a professional contract at this club. 

"It's the club my family and I have supported our entire lives. I’m so grateful to be given an opportunity here and I can’t wait to get started."

Chelsea are entering a new era next season, with newly appointed head coach Sonia Bompastor, following Emma Hayes' 12-year stint. It's clear that the new coach is looking to onboard some youth into her team as she takes the reins, after announcing the arrival of 20-year-old midfielder Julia Bartel from Barcelona, and 24-year-old forward Sandy Baltimore from Paris-Saint Germain. 

In addition, it’s evident that Bompastor believes blending youth with experience is the key to success, after sources told 90min that she is the driving force behind the expected upcoming move of Lucy Bronze to the club from Barcelona.

Chelsea have made strengthening their attacking line a priority so far during this summer transfer window, but Humphries' move to professional status sees them also bolster their backline. The Blues have already tied fellow defensive prospect Cerys Brown to a contract extension, with home-grown full-back Jorja Fox coming off the back of an ACL injury suffered in May 2023.

The club topped the WSL table last season, beating Manchester City on goal difference. Despite most predicting Hayes to win the treble in her final season at the helm, they missed out on the Champions League, and FA Cup, something Bompastor will no doubt have her sights set on. 

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