Chelsea sign 18-year-old full-back Nelly Las from Leicester City

Chelsea have completed the signing of Nelly Las from Leicester City, with the 18-year-old full-back agreeing a four-year contract at the club. Las is a regular for England at youth level and joins Sonia Bompastor's squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

"I think as a footballer, every footballer wants to win trophies, every footballer is competitive and wants to do well," Las said. "So I think a club like Chelsea, how successful they are, that is definitely a reason you want to come."

Las is capable of playing on either flank as well as in a more advanced position. She cited player development as her primary motivation for the move.

"Learning from all the players around me is my main goal, to develop as a player on and off the pitch," she added. "And, yeah, hopefully integrate myself into the team."

The teenager grew up admiring Chelsea and England full-back Lucy Bronze and will now train alongside her daily. Bronze and fellow full-back Ellie Carpenter both hold over 100 international caps.

"I always watched Lucy Bronze, which is kind of crazy being here and knowing she's going to be my team-mate," Las said. "She's definitely a player I've looked up to."

Las has previously crossed paths with several Chelsea senior players through England youth duty and already knows a number of younger squad members from that environment. She described her strongest attributes as her one-versus-one ability and work rate, both offensively and defensively.