Emma Hayes' replacement found?! Chelsea in talks to appoint Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor to take over from USWNT-bound legend

According to ESPN, talks with the French club's manager are progressing well and there is growing optimism that a deal can be agreed in the near future. Bompastor emerged as Chelsea's preferred candidate for the role last month, with Hayes set to depart for the USWNT at the end of the current campaign. The report goes on to claim that Bompastor is keen to join Chelsea, as she looks to further her career by testing herself in England's WSL.

The 43-year-old former midfielder has impressed since being promoted from her academy role and taking over the Lyon first team in 2021. She has led Lyon to back-to-back Division 1 Feminine titles across the last two seasons and also secured the Women's Champions League in 2022.

Talking to Sky Sports, French football expert Julien Laurens commented on the possible fit for Bompastor at Chelsea. "It would be a great choice," he said. "She's wonderful, she's had a great impact since she's taken over at Lyon. They play really good football and she's only a young coach. For me, she's got all the ingredients to become a top, top head coach. She is already. She speaks English too, so that wouldn't be a barrier. It's hard to follow in the steps of Emma Hayes, of course, it would be hard for anybody. But I think Bompastor would be keen for that challenge. She ticks all the boxes to become the next Chelsea manager."

Bompastor has only lost five of her 94 games in charge of Lyon. Meaning she has a win rate of 95.3% at the French side. Impressive.

Despite talks currently going on regarding her future, Bompastor must concentrate on the job in hand at Lyon. The club currently sit at the top of the French league once again and are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Their next test will arrive away at Lille on Saturday afternoon.