WSL winners Chelsea have signed American striker, Catarina Macario, from French champions Lyon on a free transfer in a stunning swoop [via BBC Sport].

Macario will join the Blues when the summer transfer window opens. In total, she scored 23 goals in 33 games for Lyon.

On the new signing, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said: “Cat is one of the most intelligent, creative attacking players in the world. She brings a great deal of flair, European experience, and an unbelievable winning mentality. I think our fans will really love her.”

What will Catarina Macario add to the Chelsea squad?

Chelsea were excellent last season – they won both the WSL title and the Women’s FA Cup, while reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League and the final of the Women’s League Cup.

Despite this, outside of Australian sensation Sam Kerr, the Blues lacked quality of depth in the striker position. Kerr remained fit for the majority of the season – but had she suffered a long-term injury at any point, the effect it would’ve had on Chelsea’s campaign could have been catastrophic.

The likes of Guro Reiten and Pernille Harder were both able to function as a striker, but both are more comfortable in different positions. Moreover, Harder will join Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

With the acquisition of Macario, this is no longer an issue. She can fill in for Kerr perfectly, should she ever be unavailable to play – moreover, she will provide competition for a spot in the first team.

The signing of Macario also expands the options that Chelsea will have going forwards. If Emma Hayes wishes to play two up top, she will now be able to do so.

Catarina Macario career summary

Born in Brazil, Macario spent time in the youth academies of Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Santos, before joining San Diego Surf SC in 2012.

During her college career, Macario played for Stanford Cardinal from 2017 to 2020, scoring an impressive 63 goals in 69 appearances. From there, she joined Lyon in 2021.

She has also earned a number of caps for the USA, scoring eight goals across 17 international appearances for the Stars and Stripes.