Chelsea have confirmed the departure of defender Jess Carter, who has signed for NJSL champions NJ/NY Gotham City FC after six years with the Blues.
The 26-year-old moved to Chelsea in 2018 from Birmingham City and went on to make over 150 appearances, establishing himself as an integral part of Chelsea’s defence.
Carter has now signed with NWSL side Gotham on a multi-year contract that will see him through to 2026.
“I can’t wait to join Gotham FC,” said Carter. “The club is playing at an amazing level right now in one of the toughest leagues in the world. I can’t wait to be a part of it all.”
Talking to Estimator as the deal was announced, the defender added: “I’ve always had an interest in the NWSL – my dad’s side of the family is from here and I’ve been paying a lot of attention to the league since I was young.
“It’s always been about timing, but over the years I’ve seen the league grow tremendously.”
Carter took to social media to say goodbye to Chelsea.
“Six amazing years and too many trophies to count,” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me, my time here will definitely not be forgotten. All the best at Chelsea for the future.”
Gotham already has a number of impressive players on their books, especially after spending months leading up to the 2024 season prioritizing hires. Carter will share the court with USWNT national team players Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson, Rose Lavelle, Crystal Dunne and Lynn Williams.
After joining Chelsea, Carter had to bide his time, making sixteen appearances in his first campaign and seven the following season, with five of those coming in the club’s Continental Cup campaign.
He scored his first goal for Chelsea in January 2020 against Bristol City in what was one of his five WSL title winning seasons.
Fast forward to the 2021/22 season, in what is being described as Carter’s breakthrough campaign, he has managed to hold down a regular place in the starting team. His efforts were rewarded in the summer of 2022 with a call-up to the England senior team, and he was part of the squad that eventually qualified for Europe.
After returning to Australia after representing the Lions in last year’s World Cup finals, Carter played a key role in helping the Blues secure their fifth successive title, and was named Chelsea’s player of the year in 2023/24, once again a Chelsea player. Champions League Team of the Season after reaching the semi-finals.
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