German international signs for Chelsea Women

Chelsea Women have made their first signing of 2019 with Ann-Katrin Berger joining from Birmingham City Women.

Birmingham City announced that Berger had rejected an offer of a new contract after two and a half years with them and she has now moved to defending champions Chelsea.

The German’s deal at Chelsea runs until May 2022. After signing for the club she spoke to the club website and said:

“I’m excited. It’s something new, I’m looking forward to playing with one of the best clubs in the world right now.

“First of all, I really like the league. Chelsea is one of the best so far since I’ve been in England and I think now is the right time to come and play for a big club. Chelsea felt like the right choice.”

Berger will compete with Hedvig Lindahl, Lizzie Durack and Carly Telford for the number one shirt after being the undisputed first choice goalkeeper in the Midlands.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes also told the club website:

“For the last two seasons Ann-Katrin has been the best goalkeeper in the league and having played both in Germany and France, she’s developed the experience which makes her ready for Chelsea.

“She has the experience, pedigree and certainly the mentality to come in here and succeed and add to the glut of quality goalkeepers we have here. I look forward to seeing her in training with this group.”

The Blues are currently third in the Women’s Super League, ahead of Birmingham City on goal difference alone.