Chelsea Women: Latest news, Hampton rumors, Aluko given top British honor

Even with Catarina Macario on her way to west London next season, Emma Hayes and the Chelsea Women are far from done yet. 

CFCW news: Hannah Hampton officially departs Aston Villa, close to agreement to join Chelsea Women

On Thursday afternoon, the English international goalkeeper Hannah Hampton announced that she will be leaving Aston Villa after two years in Walsall. The 22-year-old English international made 43 appearances across all competitions for the Villains. Hampton, who recently made the England squad for the World Cup starting in July jumped onto the scene with Birmingham City, but did not receive her first senior national team call-up until she moved to AVFC.

Considering the Blues have four goalkeepers already heading into next season, it is quite perplexing why there have been reports that CFCW are leading the race to secure Hampton on a free transfer. The former Birmingham City Player of the Season would join three other goalkeepers that could very well be considered a No. 1 for a number of European sides. Ann-Katrin Berger is the club’s clear No. 1 despite her age with Zecira Musovic playing the part of a No. 2. Belgium’s No. 1 option Nicky Evrard signed with the west London side back in March.

Who knows what the Blues are going to do with Evrard this summer, but Emily Orman is more than likely going to be going out on loan given the loaded goalkeeping unit within the team. Reported by Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui, Hampton may have a move to west London lined up as her departure from Villa is now complete. Not only was it rumored that she was going to be joining Hayes’ side, Hampton also could be going out on loan for the entirely of next season to another WSL club. The Blues must think incredibly highly of the 22-year-old to even ponder a move for a fifth goalkeeper.