Chelsea has made a habit of getting the players it wants over the last two years. While this is true of a lot of football clubs, the Blues have not had to turn to alternatives in recent transfer windows, instead scooping up their No. 1 targets with relative ease. This goes for both the Chelsea men and women. It’s this success on the market—paired with excellent coaching and great academy development—that saw both teams in their respective Champions League finals last season.
The Chelsea Women are less than two months away from officially kicking off their 2021/22 campaign. This means the Blues will be looking to defend their back-to-back FAWSL title wins. Manchester City and Arsenal, Chelsea’s main trophy challengers, have both strengthened during the summer window. The Blues have been relatively quiet, but luckily for them, their No. 1 transfer target has dropped a massive hint regarding her future on Instagram.
Chelsea’s No. 1 transfer target, Lauren James, has dropped a massive hint regarding her future on her Instagram page.
Now, it must be said that following the activity of athletes on social media and making rumors of it is not something I usually do. However, in the case of Lauren James, it was more than just a like or comment on a Chelsea player’s post. James made a statement, she didn’t subtly drop a hint. James, the younger sister of Blues right back Reece James, unfollowed all Manchester United official accounts on social media. She also followed a plethora of Chelsea players and the Blues’ official men’s and women’s account.
James has made her intentions clear with the messages on social media, likely as a way to force her hand and secure a move to the capital. The 19-year-old phenom has been the Blues’ top target since the season ended. Man United viewed James as a crucial piece to its up and coming women’s side. However, when manager Casey Stoney departed the club, things began to crumble. This made the decision to depart the historic club that much easier for James, who was reportedly home sick and wanted to be closer to her family in London.
The Red Devils seemingly lost all of their leverage when James made her intentions to force a move quite clear on social media. The star attacker had just one-year left on her current Man United contract, which also played a part in making the dream move a reality. It seems as if after James took action online, things began to move a little quicker between the two sides. Multiple sources are now confirming that James is set to sign with Chelsea after the clubs agreed on a deal that’ll include £50,000 and see a Blues player go the other way. The deal will likely be completed later in the week with personal terms the only business left unfinished.
What exactly will James bring to Chelsea though?
On top of an excellent marketing opportunity alongside her older brother, Reece, she will strengthen one of the world’s best attacking units. The teenager will get to continue to grow her game under the guidance of Emma Hayes, who is widely considered to be one of the best managers in the world. James is perfect for Chelsea because of the positional versatility she possesses in midfield and along the front line. In the club’s newest reported signing, the Blues have yet another core piece to build around as Roman Abramovich, Marina Granovskaia and Hayes look to add to their dynasty for years to come.
What do you make of James’ move to Kingsmeadow? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!
