Giulia Dragoni joins Chelsea Women on four‑year contract

Italian midfielder Giulia Dragoni has left FC Barcelona and signed a four‑year deal with Chelsea Women, binding her to the London club until 30 June 2030. The transfer fee was reported at about €500,000, and the contract makes Dragoni the highest‑paid Italian female footballer, surpassing Sofia Cantore’s earnings in the United States.

The 19‑year‑old, a product of Inter’s youth system and former Roma player, has already earned 25 caps for Italy’s senior national team. She said she “couldn’t believe she had signed for Chelsea” and expressed excitement about joining a club she regards as one of the world’s best. Chelsea’s investment follows recent signings in the men’s side, including defender Marco Palestrini, underscoring the club’s commitment to strengthening both its male and female squads.