Clubs Lucy Bronze Could Join as She Confirms Imminent Lyon Departure

England Women full-back Lucy Bronze has confirmed that she is leaving French giants Lyon this summer, but is remaining tight lipped on who her next club will be.

Bronze and Lionesses teammate Alex Greenwood have each signed temporary contract extensions with Lyon that covers the remainder of the 2019/20 Champions League that will be concluded as a mini-tournament in the Basque region of Spain by the end of the month.

Both players were already expected to leave Lyon at that point, but Bronze has now personally stated that her future will definitely not be with the six-time European champions.

“I won't be staying at Lyon, I know that for sure,” the 28-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Bronze is rumoured to have agreed a return to former club Manchester City, although she was reluctant to give away anything more about here future.

“I've obviously got links to City having played there before Lyon and having had a house there, but people will always make that assumption I guess,” she said.

But with more options seemingly on the table, where could one of the best players in the world be playing her club football in 2020/21?

Barcelona

Although Bronze is expected to return home to England, Barcelona would be a potential option should she choose to stay overseas and move from France to Spain.

The Catalans want to be the team to take Lyon’s European crown and reached the Champions League final in 2019. They already have a collection of international stars, including Dutch midfielder Lieke Martens, Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen and Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala. Bronze’s England teammate and ex-City colleague Toni Duggan has also recently played there.

Aside from international talent, Barça are flush with domestic talent, with Spain one of the fastest emerging nations in the global women’s game.

Chelsea

Chelsea have had Hannah Blundell at right-back for years and in February handed the 26-year-old an extended contract until 2022. But the loyal Blues servant has had injury problems and Bronze would be a sound addition given that the club will effectively be competing for trophies on five fronts in 2020/21 as a result of the delayed FA Cup from last season.

That means depth is going to be more crucial than ever for a club that has already won three WSL titles since 2015, plus the shortened Spring Series in 2017.

In Emma Hayes, Chelsea have arguably the single best club manager in the women’s game, certainly in England, and that could be a significant lure for Bronze if an offer is there.

Fellow London club Arsenal are probably not a realistic option, having already signed up Australia right-back Steph Catley in a high profile deal earlier this summer.

Manchester City

Manchester City is possibly the most obvious choice for Bronze and a deal is already rumoured. It is where she established herself as one of the best players in the world and the club still boasts the best facilities and infrastructure of any side in the WSL.

City were leading the WSL until it was abandoned last season and will be in the Champions League again next season. They have also already strengthened the squad considerably this summer by bringing in England forward Chloe Kelly and USWNT superstars Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.

What’s more, the Sky Blues have been operating without a specialist right-back. Canada international Janine Beckie has often played there but is a forward by trade, while ‘number 10’ Georgia Stanway has always been deployed in emergencies.

Aoife Mannion began last season at right-back prior to her ACL injury, but the former Birmingham star is really a centre-back.

Manchester United

Manchester United have plenty of full-backs and have already signed one this summer in the shape of Spain international Ona Batlle, but Bronze is a cut above any other player on the market. She is also capable of playing in midfield and has done for England in the past.

An ambitious United led by Bronze’s former England teammate Casey Stoney are determined to bridge the gap between themselves and the WSL ‘big three’. The way to do that is by adding proven quality to the squad they have already in the hope of finding more consistency.

In that respect, United are also now in talks with experienced two-time World Cup winning USWNT forwards Tobin Heath and Christen Press.

For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!