Chelsea Women: Academy defender Humphries inks first pro deal until 2025

News surrounding the youth continues to roll in this summer at Chelsea FC Women. The development of homegrown talent seems to be a priority for Sonia Bompastor. In the last two weeks, two youngsters departed while the club exercised an option to extend Cerys Brown after a brief loan spell in the Women's Championship. This morning, it was announced that the 18-year-old Academy defender Greta Humphries has penned her first professional deal with the club until the summer of 2025. The agreement also has an option to extend for an additional year.

"It’s a very proud and exciting moment for me and my family. It’s my dream come true to sign a professional contract at this club," Humphries said. "It’s the club my family and I have supported our entire lives. I’m so grateful to be given an opportunity here and I can’t wait to get started."

Humphries, who previously represented Tottenham Hotspur, joined the West Londoners on July 1, 2022. The five-foot 10-inch left-sided center back has been a part of the women’s Academy for two seasons, playing over 2,200 minutes per Elite Football. She is now the tallest defender on Chelsea, just ahead of Millie Bright and Aniek Nouwen.

With center back depth a problem at times last season, this is an investment toward a player the club believes could be an asset down the line.

The ball winning center back should not see first team minutes this upcoming campaign, so it is a question as to whether or not the club wants to keep her at the academy level or send the standout defender out on loan. Anywhere in the second tier would be a phenomenal experience. Just ask Aggie Beever-Jones and Emily Orman.

Teams like Bristol City or Charlton Athletic, sides that CFCW has done loan business with before could be potential landing spots if the club does choose to head in that direction. If she does head out, she'll likely join Brown, who should go on loan again after her time with Watford was cut short due to injury. On May 20, the versatile full-back announced she was back fit after being out since March 20.