Manaka Matsukubo, a standout midfielder from the North Carolina Courage, officially joined Chelsea last week in a significant midseason transfer move. The announcement came on Saturday, confirming the immediate departure of the 2025 NWSL MVP finalist to the English Women’s Super League powerhouse.
Having made a strong impact in the 2026 NWSL season with five goals for the Courage, Matsukubo secured a long-term commitment with Chelsea, signing a five-year contract over the weekend. This transfer marks a notable step for the 21-year-old, who has quickly risen as one of the league’s brightest talents.
Matsukubo’s Chelsea Deal and Its Implications for the NWSL
Reflecting on her new chapter, Matsukubo expressed enthusiasm about joining a club celebrated worldwide. “I’m so excited to be joining Chelsea, a club with a lot of history,” she said in an official statement. She added that Chelsea had been a club she admired since childhood, recognized globally for its prominence.
This transfer mirrors a similar high-profile midseason move in 2025 when former Angel City player Alyssa Thompson also signed with Chelsea. Such developments highlight the ongoing challenge for the NWSL to retain top talent amid a global market that includes salary caps and competitive international offers.
Under the terms of her contract, Matsukubo was set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2026 season. However, a clause stipulated that any transfer meeting or exceeding a certain undisclosed fee required the North Carolina Courage’s approval, facilitating this early move to Chelsea.
Meanwhile, the NWSL may see more player movement before the season ends. Reports indicate that USWNT forward Emma Sears has requested a trade from Racing Louisville, a club currently positioned last in the league standings. This suggests that the league’s transfer activity could continue to evolve in the coming weeks.