Chelsea are making moves in January, but this time on the ladies’ side of affairs. The Blues have signed US star Crystal Dunn.
The Premier League may be open for business, but it is Chelsea Ladies FC who are making the first blue moves in January. The club have signed US international Crystal Dunn on a deal that should keep her in West London until the end of the 2018.
The Blues announced the deal late on Tuesday evening, revealing that Dunn would be the club’s first recruiting move in 2017. Speaking about the switch, she was understandably delighted with the opportunity to join of the world’s leading ladies set-ups.
"It’s a big personal challenge for me but I am ready to take this next step in my career. Playing for Chelsea is a unique opportunity for me to take my game to another level and I think the moment is right…I’m going to give my all. It would be a dream to play in the Champions League and I am ready to help out the team in any way."
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Lead by the highly competent Emma Hayes, the Blues lifted two trophies in 2015, winning both the WSL 1 (the Premier League equivalent) and the FA Women’s Cup.
However, there was heartbreak last year with Chelsea losing two finals to miss out on another double. Manchester City won the league while Arsenal beat them in the cup final.
Dunn’s acquisition is testament to the club’s desire to earn some more silverware and, more importantly, invest in the women’s side of the game.
Women’s football has been burgeoning in recent years, with standards rising and audiences growing. England’s run to the semi-finals in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup has undoubtedly raised awareness of the game.
Chelsea are at the forefront of the movement in this country and pinching a leading striker in women’s football is proof of that. The United States are the premier country, having won three World Cups. The 24-year-old Dunn is one of their brightest stars.
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This looks like a fantastic deal for Chelsea LFC and is representative of the club’s current attitude. After suffering from a somewhat poisoned atmosphere last season, Chelsea are back firing on all cylinders. Dunn should help the ladies match the men’s current success.