Chelsea complete Ashley Lawrence signing

Chelsea have continued to strengthen their squad by making Canadian full-back Ashley Lawrence a fifth new addition following her exit from Paris Saint-Germain.

The 28-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Chelsea until the summer of 2026, making the move from Paris to London, having played for PSG since 2017.

Lawrence is the fifth player Emma Hayes has brought to Chelsea during the summer transfer window after signing Belgian shot-stopper Nicky Evrard, young German midfielder Sjoeke Nusken, American forward Catarina Macario and most recently, Spain international Alejandra Bernabe.

"I’m really excited and grateful to be joining such a top club in England and in Europe," Lawrence said.

"There are a lot of emotions, excitement and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, the rest of the players and staff, and to next season."

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A versatile full-back, Lawrence can play on both the right or left side and has proven herself as an athletic and attacking player, formerly playing as a midfielder during her college career. She was also nominated for the 2021 Ballon d’Or, finishing eighth in the final results.

Hayes, commenting on the signing, said, "Ashley has established herself as one of the best full-backs in the women’s game for both club and country.

"Her ability to get forward, her progressive play into the final third is a standout strength, and she can play on both the left and right side. We’re really looking forward to having her with us."

Having been selected to represent Canada at her third World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer, Lawrence surpassed a century of caps for her country. In 2019, she was named Canada Soccer’s Female Player of the Year and enjoyed medal success at both the 2016 and 2020 Olympics sames, winning gold at the latter tournament.