Chelsea have won the race to sign England star Fran Kirby from Reading. The 22 year old impressed at this summer’s Women’s World Cup, scoring England’s first goal of the tournament in a 2-1 win over Mexico. The striker has signed a 3 and half-year deal with the London club.
Kirby had been at Reading since the age of 8 and helped her childhood side to the top of WSL2 before the mid season break, scoring 11 goals in 5 games. Last season Kirby finished as the league’s top scorer with an incredible 29 goals.
Chelsea fought off competition from league rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, who both submitted bids for the former Reading forward. Chelsea are currently top of WSL1, 2 points above Arsenal in 2nd and a further 9 clear of City.
Emma Hayes’ side will also be hoping to lift the FA Women’s Cup this year. They take on Notts County in the final at Wembley on August 1st.
“We’re delighted we’ve been able to get Fran on board, she is a very exciting young talent and I think she can go on to become a Chelsea great,” said Hayes. “Our aim is to win trophies here and Fran can play a major part in that for years to come.”
Kirby, dubbed the ‘mini-Messi’ by England coach Mark Sampson, had been under contract at Reading until 2018. The transfer fee is rumoured to be a British record fee for a female footballer.
After the announcement Kirby spoke to Chelsea’s website about her move. “Chelsea is one of the best clubs in the world and now is a really good time for me to step up in my career.”
The England star added, “it’s pretty incredible for me, the last couple of months have been a bit of a whirlwind and moving here is the cherry on top.”
Kirby will now join up with fellow England teammates Katie Chapman, Eni Aluko and Claire Rafferty as they and the rest of the Chelsea squad prepare Sunday’s league match at home to Bristol Academy.
