England midfielder Keira Walsh has joined Women’s Super League champions Chelsea from Barcelona on a four-and-a-half year deal.

The 27-year-old has spent the last two-and-a-half years in Spain, where she won eight trophies, including six domestic titles, and was part of two Champions League-winning sides.

The PA news agency understands Walsh joins Sonia Bompastor’s Blues for a fee of around £400,000.

Walsh said: “It’s unbelievable. I’m very happy to be here and very excited to get started.

“You look at the history of the trophies Chelsea have won and I’m an ambitious player and person, so for me, it is a good fit.

“Speaking to Paul Green, Sonia and (assistant coach) Camille (Abily), I just got such a good feeling from them. It has been really positive. I want to play for this club and fight for the badge.”

Moments before her deal was announced, Walsh took to Instagram to post a farewell to Barcelona.

“Being a Culer has been a dream come true, and I’m grateful for the memories that will last a lifetime. It has been a privilege to be part of such a special group of players, sharing unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.

“Winning eight trophies, especially two Champions League titles, will always be among the greatest highlights of my career. I will forever cherish my time at this amazing club. Visca Barca.”

Walsh, one of the most highly-regarded players in the women’s game, was part of the England squad that claimed their first major silverware when they won the home European championships in 2022, and named player of the match in their Wembley final triumph over Germany.

She was also part of the Lionesses squad that in the summer of 2023 advanced to a World Cup final for the first time, having previously helped England reach the semi-finals in 2019.

Walsh, who will wear number 30, began her senior career with Blackburn Rovers before joining Manchester City as a teenager in 2014.

Two years later, Walsh won both the FA Cup and Women’s Super League titles with City, and went on to win two more FA Cups before departing for Barcelona for what was reported to be a world-record fee of between £350,000-£400,000 in 2022.

That record now belongs to Walsh’s new Chelsea team-mate Naomi Girma, who reportedly became the first million-US dollar transfer in the women’s game when the American defender joined for a reported £900,000 on Sunday.

Chelsea sit seven points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Women’s Super League table, and could be on course for a quadruple as they also remain in contention for the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.

Paul Green, Chelsea’s head of women’s football, said: “Keira is a player who will add huge value to an already talented squad. She has vast experience at the highest level, winning major honours at both domestic and international level.

“She is a composed defensive midfielder, with excellent technical attributes and world class football intelligence. Her playing style and ability to dictate the tempo of the game will be crucial to our game model as we move forward.”

Earlier on Friday, Chelsea announced French defender Eve Perisset has departed the club after two-and-a-half years to “pursue further playing opportunities.”