The 18-year-old from Barnsley comes with a significant amount of first-team exposure, having made her debut for the Blades at the age of 16. Watson joined them halfway through the 2019/20 season from Doncaster Belles, where she had made her first team debut while just 15.

Having shown incredible pace and a confidence on the ball, she soon secured several starts for Sheffield United that same season, with her first senior goal coming in the form of a sensational strike from range in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup. Watson went on to score in both their FA Cup fixtures that season and netted eight goals in 22 Championship matches.

Watson is also a significant young talent on the international stage. She earned regular caps for England at both the Under-17 and Under-18 level, and received her first call-up to the Under-19s squad in June 2021 at the age of 17.

The young Lioness was most recently called up for the UEFA European Championship qualifiers at St. George’s Park, subsequently going on to feature in the UEFA Women’s Under-19 European Championship in Czech Republic, where she made the starting line-up against Sweden.

On signing for Chelsea, Watson said: ‘I am so proud to have signed for a huge club like Chelsea. I am very excited to continue my development and see what the future holds for me.

‘Thank you to Emma Hayes and the team for giving me this opportunity.’

Emma Hayes added on the signing of Watson: ‘Lucy is one of the best young attacking players in the country, so we are delighted that she has joined the club. 

‘We have followed Lucy’s development for some time since her at time at Donny Belles, where Paul Green had coached previously and it’s clear she has natural talent and ability.

‘Lucy has developed really well at Sheffield United and we now feel she is ready to make the next step. In the short term, we’ll be looking to send her out on loan for the forthcoming season to ensure she gains valuable game time.’

Watson becomes Chelsea Women’s fourth signing this summer following the arrival of Eve Perisset, Kadeisha Buchanan and Katerina Svitkova.

Welcome to Chelsea, Lucy!