The summer transfer window has barely begun, but Chelsea Women are already making waves with two high-profile signings that signal their intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe. Canadian defensive powerhouse Kadeisha Buchanan and French right-back Eve Perisset have joined the WSL champions, adding world-class quality to Emma Hayes’ squad. Here’s why these moves matter on Mcw.
Kadeisha Buchanan: A Champion’s Pedigree Arrives at Kingsmeadow
The acquisition of Kadeisha Buchanan from Lyon isn’t just another signing—it’s a coup that sends shockwaves through women’s football. The 26-year-old center-back arrives with a trophy cabinet that most players can only dream of: five Champions League titles, eight domestic trophies, and a reputation as one of the most dominant defenders in the game.
What makes Buchanan’s signing particularly symbolic is her choice of shirt number. She’ll become the first Chelsea player—male or female—to wear the iconic No. 26 since club legend John Terry departed in 2017. This decision speaks volumes about both the player’s ambition and the club’s faith in her leadership qualities.
“Coming to Chelsea aligns perfectly with my career ambitions,” Buchanan told Mcw. “This is a club that competes for every trophy, and I want to help bring that Champions League title to London. My experience winning in Europe can be valuable as we push for that next level.”
Emma Hayes’ Masterstroke in Defensive Reinforcements
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, renowned for her tactical acumen, has identified defense as an area needing reinforcement despite their domestic success. The addition of Buchanan provides Chelsea with something they’ve lacked—a dominant, physically imposing center-back with proven big-game experience.
“Kadeisha isn’t just a great player; she’s a proven winner at the highest level,” Hayes explained. “Her mentality in crucial matches is exactly what we need as we aim to conquer Europe. She’ll bring a new dimension to our backline while fitting seamlessly into our dressing room culture.”
Analysts on Mcw note that Buchanan’s arrival could allow Hayes more tactical flexibility, potentially shifting to a back three or providing crucial depth during fixture congestion. Her aerial dominance and ability to play out from the back make her an ideal fit for Chelsea’s style.
Eve Perisset: The Versatile French Connection
Before Buchanan‘s announcement, Chelsea had already secured the services of French international Eve Perisset from Bordeaux. The 27-year-old right-back becomes the first signing of the Todd Boehly era and addresses another key position for the Blues.
Perisset’s versatility makes her valuable addition to Chelsea’s defensive options
What makes Perisset particularly valuable is her versatility—capable of playing anywhere along the right flank or even in midfield if needed. Her technical quality and crossing ability will provide Chelsea with another attacking dimension from wide areas.
“Joining Chelsea represents the perfect next step in my career,” Perisset shared with Mcw. “The WSL is the most competitive league in the world right now, and I want to test myself against the best while competing for trophies.”
Building for European Glory
These signings clearly demonstrate Chelsea’s ambition to finally conquer the Champions League after several near misses. With Buchanan’s European pedigree and Perisset’s international experience, the Blues are adding players who know what it takes to win at the highest level.
The timing is also significant. With the transfer restrictions lifted following the club’s ownership transition, Chelsea are moving quickly to strengthen before preseason. As Hayes noted, “We’re not just building a team for next season; we’re establishing a foundation for sustained success.”
What This Means for the WSL Title Race
While Chelsea have dominated domestically in recent years, their rivals have also been active in the transfer market. Buchanan and Perisset’s arrivals send a clear message—the Blues aren’t resting on their laurels.
The Canadian-French defensive duo will need to adapt quickly to the physicality and pace of the WSL, but their technical quality and big-game experience suggest they’ll thrive. For fans following on Mcw, these signings promise to make Chelsea even more formidable next season.
The Verdict: Chelsea Women have made two statement signings that address specific needs while raising the overall quality of the squad. Buchanan brings championship pedigree to the backline, while Perisset offers versatility and attacking threat from wide areas. Together, they significantly strengthen Chelsea’s chances of achieving their ultimate goal—European glory. The WSL title race just got more interesting, and all eyes will be on how these new additions adapt to English football when the season kicks off.
