Manchester United sign Maria Thorisdottir from Chelsea FCW; Charlotte Fleming leaves for Leicester City

Chelsea FCW aren’t expected to make any major moves during the January transfer window, certainly not when compared to last year’s monumental winter signing of Sam Kerr. This week however, the Blues have said goodbye to homegrown prospect Charlotte Fleming and experienced defender Maria Thorisdottir, as they each begin the next chapter of their careers.

At just 19 years of age, Charlotte Fleming may not have had many opportunities to impact the first team at Chelsea, but it is always difficult to lose one of our own. Fleming arrived at the club when she was just ten, and would go on to captain CFCW U18s from her midfield position. It may not be long until Fleming gets to see the Blues again in the WSL, as she joins a Leicester City squad sitting atop the FA Women’s Championship.

Following Fleming out of the club is none other than Thor’s Daughter, Norway international Maria Thorisdottir. Thorisdottir’s departure is especially head-turning as she joins WSL title-rivals Manchester United. Thorisdottir was a key member of the Chelsea squad for the first couple seasons after arriving from Norwegian side Klepp in 2017, but she’s fallen down the depth chart over the past couple years, and had made just 5 appearances so far this season. Still, she’s been an important part of Chelsea’s growth to a global power over the past few years, and she will be greatly missed by all.

As a send-off to our Viking, I leave you with this particularly wonderful moment from last year.