Chelsea midfielder completes Real Madrid transfer

Melanie Leupolz has completed her transfer to Real Madrid after four years with Chelsea, where she won four WSL titles, three Women’s FA Cups and the Conti Cup.

The 30-year-old former Germany international is the third high profile arrival at Real Madrid this week following the statement captures of 2022/23 Liga F top scorer Alba Redondo from Levante and ex-Manchester City midfielder Filippa Angeldahl.

Leupolz joined Chelsea in 2020 after six years at Bayern Munich and was immediately instrumental as the Blues won a domestic treble in her debut season. Her pregnancy was announced in March 2022 and she was welcomed back into the match squad in early 2023 following maternity leave.

Leupolz scored her last goal for Chelsea on the final day of 2023/24 season in the 6-0 rout of Manchester United at Old Trafford that delivered a fifth successive WSL title for the club.

"Chelsea is more than just a football club," the player said in a parting statement. "It is a family and I am proud to have been a part of it for four years. This club and everyone associated with it will always hold a special place in my heart. Wishing you every success for the future, Blues."

Real Madrid came into being in 2019, originally as CD Tacon after taking over the club, rebranding the following year. They are yet to win a major trophy but have finished second in Liga F behind runaway champions Barcelona in three of the last four seasons, as well as reaching the final of the Copa de la Reina in 2022/23 – they lost on penalties to city rivals Atletico.

Even with player departures – including club legend Fran Kirby - Chelsea have been busy recruiting so far this summer. Highly-rated youngster Julia Bartel has arrived from Barcelona to boost midfield ranks, while England icon Lucy Bronze is also set to join after leaving the Catalan giants.

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