Chelsea don announce say dem don sign Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage for five-year deal.
Matsukubo wey be 21 years old, join the Blues after im win NWSL Midfielder of the Year award last season.
She say: ‘I’m so excited to join Chelsea, a club with plenty history. Since I be small pikin, I follow Chelsea because na club wey everybody for world know about. The club get strong history of winning trophies and don do well for top of game, so I no fit pass this chance. I want to help continue this club tradition of winning trophies for many years.’
Matsukubo wey go turn 22 this month, fit play as attacking midfielder or central striker. Im creativity, precise passing, and skilful dribbling make am threat to any defence.
The Japan international don develop physically for recent seasons and don show tactical sense to make use of im versatility for attacking areas, combining football intelligence with technical ability.
Matsukubo come from Kagoshima for south of Japan. She make im professional debut for Mynavi Sendai for March 2023 and join NC Courage later that year, first on loan. Since then, she don thrive for America, establish imself as top player for NWSL, one of the strongest leagues for world football.
She score 11 goals last season and already get five for nine games this term. By scoring three goals against Bay FC for October, Matsukubo become youngest player for NWSL history to score hat-trick. She leave NC Courage with 19 goals for 60 appearances.
For international level, Matsukubo be important member of Japan team wey finish runners-up for both 2022 and 2024 Under-20 World Cup. She receive Silver Ball award for im performance for the latter tournament.
Matsukubo step up to senior international football for February last year, help Japan win SheBelieves Cup. She get more silverware for March when im country triumph for Asian Cup with victory over hosts Australia. She don now get 19 caps and score twice.
