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Belgium goalkeeper Nicky Evrard has described it as a dream come true to be joining Chelsea ahead of next season, with the Blues announcing a pre-contract agreement.
Evrard will leave current club OH Leuven as a free agent once the current campaign draws to a close and officially become a Chelsea player on 1 July.
The 27-year-old joins an already competitive goalkeeping unit, with Chelsea not expecting to move on either of their existing stars between the sticks – Ann-Katrin Berger, who was recently a finalist for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, and Zecira Musovic, who signed a new contract last month.
Evrard has spent most of her career to date in Belgium and Netherlands, barring a short-lived spell in Spain in 2019. But she rose to prominence during Euro 2022 with a string of outstanding displays for a Belgium team that defied expectation to reach the quarter-finals.
Until now, she has only played semi-professionally, but will soon step into a full-time environment.
“It’s really crazy, dreams do come true,” Evrard told Chelsea club media. “I’m really happy, excited and honoured to play for a big club like Chelsea. I follow the women’s games, I watch the competition in England, and it’s always fun to watch the Chelsea games.
“I hope to bring my performance from the Euros to here, the big goal is to bring something to the team. Chelsea want to win trophies, that is also my ambition and I want to win a lot at the club.”
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Seemingly unfazed by the prospect of having to keep three international goalkeepers happy next season, manager Emma Hayes was full of optimism for what Evrard will bring.
“Nicky will be a great addition to our squad, certainly she showed her quality and her talent in the Euros last summer,” the boss said.
“Coming into a full-time, professional environment will certainly help her take the steps in the next direction. I know she will complement Ann and Zecira and add to our goalkeeping union.”
