Chelsea have officially announced that defender Jess Carter is leaving the club to join the NWSL champions, NJ/NY Gotham City FC, after spending six years with the Blues.
Carter, 26, joined Chelsea from Birmingham City in 2018 and made over 150 appearances, becoming a key figure in Chelsea’s defense.
Now, Carter has signed a multi-year contract with Gotham FC, committing to the club until 2026.
“I cannot wait to join Gotham FC,” said Carter. “The club is playing at an incredible level right now in one of the toughest leagues in the world. I cannot wait to be a part of it all.”
In an interview with The Equalizer, Carter explained her interest in the NWSL, “I’ve always been interested in the NWSL – my dad’s side of the family is from here and ever since I was young I’ve paid a lot of attention to the league. It was always about timing, but over the years I have seen the league grow in a really positive direction.”
Carter expressed her gratitude to Chelsea on social media, “Six incredible years and too many trophies to count. Thank you to all who have been on this journey with me, my time here will never be forgotten that’s for sure. All the best to Chelsea for the future.”
Gotham FC boasts a strong roster, having focused on recruitment prior to the 2024 season.
Carter will be joining a team that includes USWNT players Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson, Rose Lavelle, Crystal Dunn, and Lynn Williams.
During her early years at Chelsea, Carter had to be patient, starting sixteen games in her first season and seven the next, with five starts in the successful Continental Cup campaign.
She scored her first goal for Chelsea in January 2020 against Bristol City, contributing to one of her five WSL title victories.
The 2021/22 season was pivotal for Carter as she secured a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Her impressive performances earned her a call-up to the England senior team in the summer of 2022, where she was part of the squad that became European champions.
After returning from the World Cup final in Australia in 2023, Carter played a crucial role in helping Chelsea win their fifth consecutive title.
She was named Chelsea’s Player’s Player of the Season for 2023/24 and was included in the Champions League Team of the Season after the team reached the semi-finals.
