Photo: Katie Chan / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
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Chelsea have completed the signing of 18-year-old full-back Nelly Las from Leicester City, with the defender agreeing a four-year contract at the club 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 a versatile defender capable of playing on either flank as well as in a more advanced position. She has been a regular for England at youth level and joins Sonia Bompastor's squad as one of several young talents added to the Chelsea roster.
The teenager cited the presence of senior full-backs Lucy Bronze and Ellie Carpenter as a key draw. Both players have earned more than 100 international caps apiece. "I think they're both the best right-backs out there and being in an environment where I can ask them questions and learn from them is just incredible," Las said.
Las acknowledged that Bronze had been a personal idol growing up. "I always watched Lucy Bronze, which is kind of crazy being here and knowing she's going to be my team-mate," she added.
Las described her playing style as direct and high-energy, with one-versus-one duels — both offensively and defensively — as her primary strength. Chelsea have not disclosed a transfer fee for the move.