Chelsea have completed the signing of Japanese forward Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage on a five-year contract, strengthening Sonia Bompastor’s attacking options ahead of the new season.
The 22-year-old joins the Women’s Super League champions after impressing during her time in the National Women’s Soccer League, where she established herself as one of the league’s most promising young attacking talents.
Comfortable operating as a centre-forward, second striker or wide attacker, Matsukubo arrives at Stamford Bridge with a growing reputation for intelligent movement, technical quality and composure in front of goal.
CHELSEA confirmed the transfer, with Matsukubo committing her long-term future to the London club until 2030. The move continues the Blues’ strategy of recruiting elite young talent capable of making an immediate impact while also developing into future stars.
Chelsea posted: ‘At international level, Matsukubo was an important member of the Japan team that finished runners-up at both the 2022 and 2024 Under-20 World Cup. She received the Silver Ball award for her performances in the latter tournament.
Matsukubo stepped up to senior international football in February last year, helping Japan win the SheBelieves Cup. She got her hands on more silverware in March when her country triumphed in the Asian Cup with victory over hosts Australia. She has now accrued 19 caps and scored twice.
‘Welcome to Chelsea, Manaka!’
What will Matsukubo bring to Chelsea?
While the Blues already possess established stars across the frontline, Matsukubo offers something slightly different. Her greatest strength lies in her movement between defensive lines.
Rather than remaining fixed as a traditional striker, she constantly searches for pockets of space, dragging defenders out of position and creating opportunities for teammates.
Her technical ability in tight areas should also suit Chelsea’s possession-based style. She is comfortable receiving under pressure, linking play with quick combinations and driving directly at defenders. That unpredictability could make Chelsea even more dangerous against opponents who defend with a low block.
Another significant asset is her versatility. Bompastor values attackers capable of rotating positions throughout matches, and Matsukubo has shown she can play centrally, off a main striker or from either flank without sacrificing effectiveness.
That tactical flexibility provides CHELSEA with valuable depth over a demanding campaign that includes domestic and European commitments.
Perhaps most importantly, Matsukubo brings hunger. At just 22 years old, she arrives with considerable potential rather than as a finished product. Chelsea have developed a reputation for nurturing young talent alongside experienced internationals, and the environment at Cobham could accelerate her progression.
There will inevitably be an adjustment period as she adapts to the physicality and pace of the Women’s Super League, but if she settles quickly, Chelsea may have secured one of the game’s brightest young attacking prospects.
Over the course of her five-year contract, Matsukubo has every opportunity to become another key figure in an already formidable Blues forward line.
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