Chelsea Women: Sam Kerr in talks regarding a contract extension
Until it's signed and sealed, the celebrations have to be halted. Just a few weeks ago, Sam Kerr's fiancé Kristie Mewis made a move from the National Women's Soccer League to the Women's Super League. That seemed like the first domino to fall regarding where Kerr's future may be beyond the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign. The star striker may reportedly be in the Southern Hemisphere right now, but per BBC's Emma Sanders, Chelsea's No. 20 is in "conversation" over a new deal.
The Australian currently sits at 99 total goals for the west Londoners since making her first appearance for the club in the beginning of January 2020. In two out of the three full seasons since joining the club, the ex-Chicago Red Stars' striker has ended up with the club's Player of the Season.
Sure, the west Londoners have Mia Fishel, Maika Hamano, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Catarina Macario waiting to take the reins up top when the time does come, but there is no sign of the 30-year-old slowing down anytime soon.
Off the field, Kerr possesses a contagious personality defined by positive energy that rubs off on everybody. On the pitch, No. 20 is an absolute baller in front of goal. Now that Millie Bright has gone down the ex-two time NWSL MVP has taken on more of front facing leadership role. The captain's armband has belonged to the striker in six out of the last seven contests. So far, this season the Australian has amassed six goal contributions, in the WSL, two fewer than the leader, Lauren James.
Given that Emma Hayes' time in London will be completed in just a few months, their was no guarantee that Kerr would be returning. In fact, the retention of players was a bit of a concern when the Hayes announcement became official. Guro Reiten's new contract in early December squashed that belief. The manager's departure does not mean the club's talent will follow.
Sam Kerr's mentality, and leadership are just as important to Chelsea Women as her goal scoring as the club attempts to compete for the European crown
Now that Mewis is in Kerr's stomping grounds, London, it's time for her to cement her place past this summer with the west Londoners. As we all know, "conversations" do not mean that it is going to happen. Last year, on BBC Radio London, Kerr was quoted saying she had a desire to stay for a longer period.
"Hopefully I stay here as long as I can and hopefully there a lot more goals, and a lot more games, and we go from there."
- Sam Kerr
It has been rumored that someday Kerr would want to make a move back to the NWSL. Kerr is not the only one the club needs to make a decision on in this new year. Fran Kirby, Ann-Katrin Berger, and Maren Mjelde are among the players that require a new contract prior to the kick-off of next season.
Nobody at the club since that debut in 2020 has shown up in more critical moments than Kerr. Manchester United in May 2022. The last three FA Cup finals. Arsenal at the Emirates last season. Aston Villa in March 2022. The list keeps going and going. It's like Santa's list. No wonder why he has to check it twice. Hopefully, more and more can be added if these discussions can create something concrete.
Chelsea Women return to the pitch post-winter break to take on Mewis' West Ham United in the FA Cup at Kingsmeadow on the afternoon of Sunday, January 14.