09 June 2023 , 10:38
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The most recent WSL title celebrations have only just calmed down but already Chelsea are bolstering next season’s title defence.
The Blues have confirmed the signing of exciting USWNT forward Catarina Macario from Lyon, with the 23-year-old penning her name onto a three-year contract with the reigning WSL champions following the expiration of her contract in France.
Macario has represented Lyon for the past two years as the club laid claim to successive Division 1 Feminine titles as well as the 2021/22 Women’s Champions League, though an ACL injury suffered on the final day of the 2021/22 season cruelly kept the Brazilian American out of competitive play throughout the past season.
Since foregoing her senior year at Stanford University to sign for Lyon, Macario has cut herself as one of the most exciting young players in the game. Known for her creative attacking verve and versatility, her addition to Chelsea arrives at an opportune time following the departure of forward Pernille Harder, whose return from injury in the final stages of the domestic season helped Chelsea to secure a seventh WSL title.
Reflecting on the signing, manager Emma Hayes praised the winning conviction and flair that Macario will bring to a squad still vying for European triumph.
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“Cat is one of the most intelligent, creative attacking players in the world who I think will blossom in this Chelsea team,” she told Chelsea’s website. “She brings a great deal of flair, European experience, and an unbelievable winning mentality. I think our fans will really love her.”
General manager Paul Green added: “She’s one of the best players in the world and will add a lot of power, pace and dynamism to our frontline. We feel that she will be a big success at Chelsea.”
Catarina Macario with the Champions League trophy following the 3-1 victory over FC Barcelona (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)For those fans hoping to catch an early glimpse of Macario, they'll need to be patient. Despite an early prognosis predicting her return to the pitch before the end of this season, Macario has yet to return to the competitive fold and last month ruled herself out of this summer’s Women's World Cup with defending world champions USA.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Macario wrote: "The desire to return to play for my club and country has driven my training and fuelled my everyday life. However, what's most important right now is my health and getting fit and ready for my next club season.”
While Chelsea once again flexed their domestic dominance, the glory of the Champions League proved elusive once more. But Macario's signing is a clear sign of Hayes' mission to imbue her squad with the conviction and depth required to finally seize European glory.