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Sam Kerr: Chelsea sign Matildas star until 2022

Georgia Goulding
Updated
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Sam Kerr poses for a photo as she signs for Chelsea Women FC at Stamford Bridge on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Sam Kerr will join current WSL leaders Chelsea Women. (Getty Images)

Australian striker Sam Kerr is set to join Chelsea Women on a two-and-a-half year deal following a spell with Chicago Red Stars.

Kerr will link-up with her new club during the January transfer window and play out the remainder of the 2019/20 Women’s Super League campaign.

The 26-year-old Australian international has established herself as one of the best forwards in the world. She will join the ranks of the current WSL leaders, linking up with in-form teammates Bethany England and Ji So-yun.

“The WSL is the best league in Europe,” said Kerr. “I want team success and I don’t want it to come easy.

“I feel Chelsea have been building something special over the years and I want to be part of that – I want to lift some trophies.”

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Chelsea Ladies celebrate winning the trophy during the SSE Women's FA Cup Final between Arsenal Women and Chelsea Ladies at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images)
Chelsea celebrate winning the FA Cup in 2018. (Getty Images)

Chelsea currently top the WSL table ahead of last season’s champions Arsenal and FA Cup holders Manchester City. Kerr’s outstanding performances in front of goal could boost Chelsea’s chances of winning their third league title.

The Perth-born goal-getter was recently named the National Women's Soccer League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after securing her third successive golden boot in the US league. Her record goal count of 19 in 23 matches came despite partial absence whilst at the World Cup earlier this year.

Kerr has also enjoyed eras in the W-League, Australia’s top-tier – marking herself down in history with 70 goals to her name.

Australia's forward Samantha Kerr celebrates a goal that was later disallowed for offside during the France 2019 Women's World Cup round of sixteen football match between Norway and Australia, on June 22, 2019, at the Stade de Nice stadium in Nice, southern eastern France. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Sam Kerr representing Australia at the 2019 World Cup in France. (Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Sam Kerr of the Matildas celebrates a goal during the Women's International match between the Australian Matildas and Brazil at McDonald Jones Stadium on September 19, 2017 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
Kerr is known for her emphatic goal-scoring celebrations. (Getty Images)

Chelsea’s newest recruit is just as consistent for her country as she has been for her clubs. She made her debut for Australia’s national side at just 15 years of age. From there she has gone on to net 38 times for the Matildas and helped them reach the round of 16 at the 2019 World Cup.

“Sam has proved time and time again that she is a prolific goalscorer,” said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. “She’s a player that can make things happen but she’s also a team player.

“The fact she chose Chelsea when she could have gone to any club in the world is a testament to the players and the staff here.”

Kerr will join the Blues in the new year and will wear the No. 20 shirt – teammate Jonna Andersson who originally sported the number will change shirts to No. 25.