Czech attacking midfielder Katerina Svitkova joins Chelsea after two-year spell with West Ham; 26-year-old has signed a three-year deal at Kingsmeadow; Emma Hayes: "She's really versatile and extremely driven and has a real love for Chelsea."
Tuesday 5 July 2022 09:16, UK
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Katerina Svitkova from West Ham.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a three-year deal to join Emma Hayes' side, having spent two years with the Hammers, where she made a total of 34 Women's Super League appearances and scored five goals.
A Czech Republic international since 2014, Svitkova has been named Women's Czech Footballer of the Year on four occasions and was a prolific scorer during her time at Slavia Prague, where she started her career.
She becomes the second player to depart West Ham this week, after Manchester United signed Canada international Adriana Leon on a two-year contract.
After the move to Kingsmeadow was confirmed, Svitkova told the club's official website: "I am living my dream! I have wanted to play for this club my whole life having supported the team since childhood and I really appreciate this exciting opportunity.
"Chelsea is a huge club with amazing history for both the men's and women's teams. They have the best players and coaches and I can't wait to meet everyone.
"Chelsea also has the best fans and I can't wait to meet them at Kingsmeadow. I want to win everything, and I know that with Chelsea it is possible!"
Hayes added: "Katerina has developed really well over the past two years at West Ham. We've been watching her for some time and knew she'd offer the team a lot of quality in midfield and also wing-back too. She's really versatile and extremely driven and has a real love for Chelsea.
"She is the profile we have been looking for and a person who I know will give everything to the shirt when she arrives at the club later this summer."
Who will be on the move this summer before the transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1?
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