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It’s been a bit quiet around Chelsea FCW after the Women’s Champions League Final That Shall Not Be Discussed, but it is quiet no more!
As announced this morning by the club, manager Emma Hayes has signed a new contract extension! Greatest. Signing. Ever.
Blue is the colour, football is the game, we're all together and @EmmaHayes1 is here to stay! #HayesStaysBlue
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) July 2, 2021
There aren’t many details available on the contract in terms of the pay increase (normal) but also the number of years extended (not so normal).
The last contract Hayes signed was a 3.5-year deal in 2017, so she was surely due a substantial pay increase considering the pool of trophies we’ve swam in since. The Telegraph’s Tom Garry gives some details on why the length of the contract hasn’t been made public, and it because, um, THERE ISN’T ONE? It’s “essentially” a “permanent, long-term” contract!
This is certainly an incredible bit of security and relief. Hayes has been with Chelsea for almost a decade, and is now here to stay ... forever? Forever!
I'm told the reason Chelsea haven't revealed a specific end date for Emma Hayes' new deal is because there isn't one. She's staying essentially on a permanent, long-term basis. Neither party felt the need to set an x-year length because their commitment to each other is absolute https://t.co/AGNA52HE0Q
— Tom Garry (@TomJGarry) July 2, 2021
There has been a lot of player movement in women’s football this offseason. PSG, who finally snapped Lyon’s 14(!!!)-season domestic title-winning streak, have seen an unreal player exodus. Lyon themselves have retooled into a juggernaut, and may not be done. Bayern have also recruited well. Domestically, Nikita Parris just joined Arsenal, Manchester City won a power struggle with the North Carolina Courage for USWNT defender Abby Dahlkemper, and Everton have made a number of impressive signings.
Chelsea certainly have some work to do in the transfer market, but with Emma Hayes leading the way for the foreseeable future, that work is certain to be great. Let’s get started!