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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Defender Bronze leaves Barcelona</li><li>England star now a free agent</li><li>Set to sign for WSL side Chelsea</li></ul>

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze set to sign for Chelsea on free transfer after Barcelona exit

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<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lucy-bronze-farewell-message-barcelona-fans-exit-confirmed-lionesses-star-talks-wsl-return/blt42d4fa37294217ec#cs95f5b17b08c164e7" target="_blank">Barcelona waved goodbye to Bronze last week</a> after failing to agree a new contract with the Lionesses star. The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/02/chelsea-set-to-to-sign-lucy-bronze-and-julia-bartel-after-barcelona-exits" target="_blank">Guardian</a> reports the defender, who has attracted attention from a host of clubs, will now join Chelsea on a free transfer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Bronze had a successful two seasons with Barcelona, playing 70 times and winning back-to-back Liga F and Champions League titles. Now, after two years away from the WSL, the 32-year-old looks primed to return; this time with defending champions Chelsea. However, the Blues will be without talismanic manager Emma Hayes - who is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/uswnt-chelsea-emma-hayes-perfect-coach-womens-world-cup-disaster/bltd88189d6519f5f79" target="_blank">now USWNT boss</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona and Bronze's entourage had held talks about extending her stay at the Catalan outfit, however, a deal could not be struck in the end. Clubs in the WSL and the United States were keen to recruit the former Manchester City ace but now she seems to be heading to west London along with Barca team-mate Julia Bartel.

DID YOU KNOW?

While the future of the former Lyon star will soon be revealed, Bronze, who has chalked up a whopping 123 caps for England, will next feature for the Lionesses against the Republic of Ireland on July 12 in a Euro 2025 qualifier.

WHAT NEXT?

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze set to sign for Chelsea on free transfer after Barcelona exit | Goal.com Cameroon

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze is reportedly set to sign for Chelsea as a free agent after leaving Barcelona this summer.