Chelsea have already strengthened ahead of the 2021/22 WSL season by securing a pre-contract agreement with PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands defender Aniek Nouwen.
Nouwen will be the first new face to join the back-to-back reigning WSL champions this summer and manager Emma Hayes has called the 22-year-old an ‘exciting addition’ to the squad.
Nouwen, who has spent her whole career to date at PSV after making the breakthrough as a teenager, has signed a long-term three-year contract with Chelsea until 2024.“There were other clubs who were interested, but I made my decision to join Chelsea pretty fast!” she told her new club’s official website.
“To play in the English league has always been a dream for me as it is the best competition and it provides the best opportunity for me to develop even more.
“I’m very honoured and proud to become a Blue and I can’t wait to be a part of this winning team. I want to win prizes and play in the big games. I’m looking forward to joining up with the team, it’s all going to be very new but I’m really excited.”
Nouwen has played more than 100 games for PSV and made her senior international debut in 2019.“Not only does she bring a wealth of league and international experience for her age, she is also very composed on the ball and her physicality will certainly suit the English league,” Hayes said.
“I have no doubt Aniek is one of the best young defenders in the world and has a very bright future ahead of her with us. We cannot wait to welcome her to Cobham this summer.”
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Source : 90min