Chelsea Star Sam Kerr Signs Contract Extension Despite Injury Setback

Days following her transfer to London, Sonia Bompastor, former Lyon head coach, is gearing up for the upcoming season as a Blue with Chelsea.

The star player for the Matildas and key figure at Chelsea, Sam Kerr, has opted to extend her stay with the club by signing a new contract.

Kerr recently suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a training camp in Morocco, leading her to undergo successful surgery and embark on a recovery journey. This setback will unfortunately keep her sidelined for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Having joined Chelsea halfway through the 2019-20 season from the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars, Kerr boasts an impressive record of 99 goals in 128 matches with Chelsea. Her achievements include 4 WSL titles, 3 FA Cups, and 2 League Cups.

The 30-year-old striker, a two-time Golden Boot winner and 2023 Ballon d'Or runner-up to Aitana Bonmatí, showed her dedication to Chelsea by inking her most recent contract extension.

When questioned about Kerr’s future with Chelsea in January, the then manager Emma Hayes emphasized Kerr’s commitment to her rehab process amidst the injury news.

Before unveiling Kerr’s contract extension, Chelsea shared a video clip where the Australian player expressed her emotions and memories associated with the club. Shortly after, another video confirmed Kerr’s decision to continue playing with Chelsea for two more years.

In celebration of Kerr’s extension, Stamford Bridge will be temporarily known as ‘Samford Bridge’ and Kingsmeadow as ‘Kerrsmeadow’, showcasing the club’s appreciation for the forward’s contributions.

Chelsea’s General Manager, Paul Green, expressed delight in Kerr’s contract renewal, highlighting her leadership qualities and global impact as one of the top strikers in the world.

Although Kerr will miss the upcoming Olympic Games with the Matildas due to her injury, her continued presence at Chelsea serves as a point of pride for both the player and the club.