Chelsea decide on Emma Hayes' replacement! Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor agrees deal to take over from USWNT-bound boss

Per the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea have agreed a deal with Lyon to appoint Bompastor, who will also bring her assistant, Camille Abily, to Stamford Bridge. Hayes, of course, is set to join the United States Women's National Team this summer.

Bompastor has carved out a niche as one of the most successful managers in European football. As a manager, she has twice guided Lyon to the league title, and also won the Champions League with the French club in 2022. Lyon are also currently enjoying an unbeaten season and are top of Division 1 Feminine, and will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals; they could actually play the Blues in the final, if Hayes' side beat Barcelona.

Bompastor will have big shoes to fill. Hayes has won the Women's Super League six times, the Women's FA Cup five times, and the League Cup twice. She has not yet won the Champions League, although those ambitions remain alive this season.

Bompastor's appointment may well be made official sooner rather than later. In the meantime, Chelsea face Manchester United in a Women's FA Cup semi-final this weekend.