Chelsea Women have secured the signing of Katie McCabe from rivals Arsenal following the expiration of the left-back's contract. The 30-year-old will move across London after 11 trophy-laden years in north London, during which she played an integral role in winning the Gunners' first Champions League title last season.
A Fiery Competitor with a Sense of Humour
Known for her fiery temper on the pitch and sense of humour off it—most notably singing her own song at last year's title celebrations—McCabe is already set to go down in history as one of the WSL's all-time best players. Only two months ago, Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor was sent off for her protests after McCabe pulled forward Alyssa Thompson's hair in their Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge. There will undoubtedly be time for breaking bread between the pair as they plot how to overthrow Manchester City and regain their WSL title next season, with the Blues winning seven of the last nine.
Impact on Other Transfers
McCabe's move will likely see England international Niamh Charles head to champions City. Elsewhere, Mary Earps is on the verge of a sensational return to England after agreeing personal terms to join London City Lionesses this summer. The 33-year-old goalkeeper is set to join from Paris Saint-Germain after two years in France, and will be a considerably high-profile move for the league's ambitious newcomers—who have also been linked with signing Barcelona legend Alexia Putellas.
Mary Earps' Controversial Journey
Earps generated headlines last summer when she dramatically retired from international football just five weeks before Euro 2025. Reports at the time said it was because she could not accept being back-up goalkeeper. She then released an autobiography later in the year where she claimed two-time European Championship winner Sarina Wiegman had rewarded her competitor Hannah Hampton's 'bad behaviour' by recalling her to the England squad, having previously been dropped for being 'disruptive and unreliable'. She has since said she has 'taken accountability and apologised for the hurt and the impact that the book would have had on them'.
Earps remains a big character in the game and will undoubtedly be one of the star attractions for London City Lionesses next season were the move to go ahead, given she remains a popular player among the women's football fanbase. She was given a rousing reception on her appearance at the Lionesses' World Cup qualifier against Spain at Wembley earlier in April.
