Elisabet Gunnarsdottir could replace soon-to-be USWNT coach Emma Hayes at Chelsea with Blues' three-woman shortlist revealed

A few months ago, Hayes announced that she would be leaving the Women's Super League champions soon to take over as manager of the United States women's national team. The front-runners to succeed Hayes are Casey Stoney of the San Diego Wave and Laura Harvey of the Seattle Reign. However, Swedish source SVT Sport have reported that former Kristianstad DFF coach, Gunnarsdottir is one of the three options on the list for the Blues.

Chelsea currently sit atop the WSL in what is Hayes' last season, they will look to continue their reign at the top of the league as they look to encompass the legendary manager's 12 years at the club. During her time at the helm of the club, Hayes has six Women's Super League titles and five FA Cups to her name with the Blues and will also be remembered as one of the biggest revolutionaries in the women's game in England.

Similar to Hayes, Gunnarsdottir has also only recently left a club where she had built a legacy. She left Kristianstads DFF after 14 years at the helm of the club after she had joined them in 2009. She officially left the club in November of 2023.

Hayes' team will look to continue their title defence when they take on Manchester United in the WSL on January 21. A win would see them open up a six-point gap to Manchester City in second place.