Chelsea agree shock Keira Walsh transfer as Barcelona accept improved offer for Lionesses star

Walsh joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 for a then-world-record fee from Manchester City. The Lionesses midfielder quickly became a major part of the Catalan side as they achieved back-to-back Champions League and Liga Femeni titles. However, Walsh has been eyeing a return to the Women’s Super League with her contract at Barcelona set to expire in the summer.

Chelsea has been touted as Walsh’s chosen club for a return to England and the Blues had opened talks with Barcelona over a January transfer. The WSL champions saw their first offer rejected by the Catalan side, however, Spanish journalist Angel Perez has now revealed that the two sides have reached an agreement on the transfer, which is set to be completed before the WSL’s winter transfer deadline day with only a few minor details left to be ironed out. According to BBC Sport's Emma Sanders, Barca have accepted an £800,000 bid, plus add-ons from Chelsea.

Barcelona are also said to be bracing for the departure of Norwegian midfielder Ingrid Engen in this window and could therefore make their own late moves before the transfer market closes in Spain on Friday, January 31.

With just over 12 hours left until the WSL transfer window shuts, Chelsea will be working hard to seal the deal for Walsh as soon as possible as the Blues will be keen to avoid any late drama on deadline day. The Lionesses midfielder could potentially make her debut under Sonia Bompastor in Chelsea's next WSL clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, January 2.