Sam Kerr: Chelsea striker signs new contract

Emma Sanders, BBC Sport

Sonia Bompastor’s arrival as manager marks a new era at Chelsea, and the former Lyon boss has plenty of work to do including overseeing the final steps of recruitment in this summer’s transfer window.

But persuading Kerr to continue her journey with the club – especially after she was forced to sit out most of the 2023-24 season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury – was the number one priority.

Ever since Emma Hayes announced her departure from Chelsea, fans have been anxious to know what that meant for the future of out-of-contract superstar Kerr.

She was persuaded to move to the WSL by Hayes in 2019 in what was one of the biggest transfers in women’s football history.

The pair built a special bond, spearheading Chelsea to huge domestic success.

It was Kerr’s idea to tease some hysteria around her contract extension, knowing how highly regarded she is, and Chelsea’s elaborate announcement videos across social media were intended to showcase Kerr’s cheeky personality and to capitalise on engagement.

Chelsea have gone one step further by renaming the stadiums to ‘Samford Bridge’ and ‘Kerrsmeadow’. A sign is being installed on Thursday and will be on show until Sunday in honour of Kerr’s new deal.

Her profile as one of the greatest footballers in game is undisputed, but she is still missing the Women’s Champions League from her illustrious list of honours.

Victory in Europe remains the ultimate goal and it is bad news for other teams that Kerr has decided to continue that pursuit with Chelsea.