Chelsea Women have signed Japan international Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage on a five-year deal.
The 21-year-old joins Sonia Bompastor’s squad after winning the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award last season. Chelsea confirmed the transfer and described Matsukubo as one of the most talented young players in world football.
Matsukubo can play as an attacking midfielder or central striker, giving Chelsea another flexible option after a summer of change in the forward line. ReadChelsea has already covered how Sam Kerr’s Gotham move left Chelsea with a major scoring succession question, and this signing gives Bompastor another player who can operate close to goal.
Matsukubo Adds Creativity To Chelsea Attack
Matsukubo started her professional career with Mynavi Sendai before joining North Carolina Courage in 2023, initially on loan.
She scored 11 goals last season and already has five in nine games this term. Chelsea also noted that she became the youngest player in NWSL history to score a hat-trick after hitting three goals against Bay FC in October.
At international level, Matsukubo has won 19 caps for Japan and scored twice. She also helped Japan win the SheBelieves Cup and Asian Cup.
Matsukubo said she followed Chelsea as a child and wanted to help continue the club’s trophy-winning tradition.
For Chelsea, the appeal is clear. Bompastor has added a young, technical attacker with senior international experience, NWSL production and room to grow in a team moving into a bigger Stamford Bridge era.
