Chelsea sign Melanie Leupolz from Bayern Munich in what Emma Hayes calls a 'statement of intent'
Chelsea have signed Bayern Munich captain and Germany midfielder Melanie Leupolz, who will join the London club ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Although the Women’s Super League is currently suspended until April 30 in light of the coronavirus outbreak, Chelsea announced their high-profile addition in a social media post on Monday.
Leopulz, who was part of the Germany side that beat England at Wembley in November last year, has agreed a three-year deal which commits her to the club until the summer of 2023.
“It’s my first move to another country and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Leopulz, who has won two league titles with Bayern Munich in the Frauen-Bundesliga. “I believe in what Chelsea are doing as a club and I am excited to be a part of that. They want to win titles, and so do I. I also like the style of football they play. I have seen a lot of their matches and I think it’s the right club for me.”
A Euros 2013 winner and 2016 Olympics gold medal winner with Germany, Leupolz is another example of how the WSL is fast becoming the ultimate destination for many of the world’s top female footballers, which has welcomed highly rated Australia strikers Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord in recent months.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, who is currently social distancing at home with 22-month-old son Harry, said: “Melanie has the right qualities that we look for in players at Chelsea. She’s got international experience, been the captain of Bayern Munich and her best years are yet to come.
“It’s a real statement of intent that she chose Chelsea and it shows just how far we’ve come as a football club. Melanie is versatile, she’s got wonderful qualities in the midfield areas and she will provide much-needed depth.”
