Chelsea transfer news: German midfielder Melanie Leupolz signs new deal after returning from maternity leave

Melanie Leupolz joined the Blues ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, moving from Bayern Munich where she spent six years; she managed 34 appearances and scored nine goals during her first season at Chelsea; the 28-year-old has signed a new deal until 2026

Tuesday 10 January 2023 21:49, UK

German midfielder Melanie Leupolz has signed a new deal at Chelsea after returning from maternity leave.

The 28-year-old is currently being reintegrated into the first team after giving birth to her first child in October.

Leupolz is the second Chelsea midfielder to commit her future to the club in recent weeks after Sophie Ingle signed a new deal at the end of December.

Speaking after signing the extension, Leupolz said: "When I was leaving Bayern, Chelsea was my favourite club and I wanted to join. I was really lucky that it worked out and my time here has been so special.

"I played the first one-and-a-half-years and it feels like I'm not done here, which is why I wanted to extend. I want more games with the team, more chances to win titles and one big ambition is to win the Champions League."

Leupolz joined the Blues in 2020 from Bayern Munich where she spent six years in the Frauen-Bundesliga and won two league titles.

At Chelsea, she has won the Women's Super League twice, two Women's FA Cups and the League Cup. Leupolz also scored a crucial goal at her former side Bayern to help Chelsea to the Champions League final in her debut season.

General manager Paul Green added: "We are delighted Melanie has extended her contract after returning from her maternity leave.

"Melly played a key part in our success in her first 18 months at the club and will almost be like a new signing coming back into the squad this month.

"We are looking forward to seeing her back in a blue shirt and building on that success over the upcoming years."

Earlier in the January window, Bethany England completed a British-record deal from Chelsea to Tottenham.

The deal was worth a reported £250,000 and broke the previous record which was set by Lauren James' £200,000 move from Manchester United to Chelsea in 2021.