Hayes sends parting message as Beth England completes record WSL transfer
Beth England has completed a record transfer to Tottenham from Chelsea, both clubs have confirmed.
England, 28, has had her switch across London sealed days a fter it was first reported that she would end her stay at Kingsmeadow and leave the WSL champions. England has signed a deal at Spurs that will keep her at the club until June 2026, taking the number 19 shirt.
The deal is believed to smash the record for a transfer between two WSL clubs. England's arrival will be a major boost to Rehanne Skinner's Tottenham who have struggled to score goals this season. Spurs have found the net 11 times in their nine games to date, but eight of those came when they thrashed Brighton back in October.
Chelsea thanked the forward for her six years of service while announcing her departure. Her former manager Emma Hayes also paid her a public tribute, England winning four WSL titles in her time at the Blues.
"Beth has given tremendous service to the club," Hayes told Chelseafc.com. "She has contributed to all of our success over the past seven years and she leaves a winner and a Chelsea legend.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
"We wish her the very best for the next stage of her career."
In total, England won nine major trophies at Chelsea, including the 2020 League Cup final where she scored the winner against rivals Arsenal. She arrives at Spurs with an overall record of 55 goals in 115 WSL games.
But she had struggled for game time in the first half of the 2022-23 season and was substituted at half-time in Chelsea's final league game before the Christmas break, a 3-2 home win over Reading. She was a part of the England squad that won Euro 2022 but failed to get on the pitch during the tournament.
However, her move to Spurs will ensure crucial playing time ahead of next summer's FIFA Women's World Cup. After the deal was confirmed England took to social media site Twitter to address the fans.
The 28-year-old wrote: "My next chapter. I'm so excited to join @SpursWomen.
Beth England and Rehanne Skinner following England's transfer from Chelsea to Spurs (2023 Tottenham Hotspur FC)"Buzzing to meet up with the girls and get started at this great club. Let's write some history together."
In a statement to Chelsea, also published on social media, England said: "To my Blues family where do I start. It has been the biggest honour to play for this amazing club that has been my home for the past seven years.
"Every time I've stepped out on the pitch I have given my all for Chelsea and our incredible fans. I'm so proud to have played my part in the success we have achieved over the years. I'm leaving Chelsea with 164 appearances, 74 goals, 10 trophies and countless memories that will last forever.
"Everyone knows how much I love Chelsea, and the club will always hold a special place in my heart. Goodbye Blues."
Although the exact transfer fee is not yet confirmed by either club, it is expected to be a record between two English teams in the women's game, surpassing the £200,000 Chelsea paid Manchester United for Lauren James.
Man Utd boss Skinner sends firm message to Arsenal over Russo contract saga
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
