The 24-year-old joined the Blues from Liverpool in the summer of 2020 and has contributed to three Barclays Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, the Continental Tyres League Cup, and also helped us reach the 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

Ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, Charles put pen to paper on a new deal until the summer of 2025, and after a hugely impressive start to the current season, the England international has now further committed her future to the Blues.

'I’m really happy and grateful,' Charles said upon signing her contract extension. 'I’ve had a good few years here. I’ve developed a lot and I’m really looking forward to the future and what the next few years hold.’

General manager Paul Green said: ‘Niamh’s performances have been outstanding and seen her go on to become a regular international starter in the last 12 months.

‘We’re delighted with how she has developed and become a leader within the group. We look forward to seeing her continued growth in the upcoming years.’

On our way to a domestic Double last season, Charles made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. She was ever-reliable in defence and offered goals in attack, netting four in total and making her 100th appearance for the club in a 4-0 victory over West Ham United in May.

Charles has made an excellent start to this campaign with two goals and four assists in 14 appearances to date. She was nominated for the Barclays WSL Player of the Month award in October after several impressive individual displays.

At international level, Charles was named in the England squad for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She made her major tournament debut in the group-stage victory over China and was part of the Lionesses side which finished runners-up to Spain.

Everyone at Chelsea would like to congratulate Niamh, and we wish her every success for the years to come.