Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has left Chelsea to join French side Lyon on a permanent deal, ending a successful four-year spell with the Blues.
Chelsea confirmed the departure after a decorated period for the Sweden international, who arrived from BK Hacken in 2022 and became one of the club’s most reliable wide players.
Rytting Kaneryd made 139 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 17 goals and registering 26 assists. She also lifted seven major trophies, including multiple Women’s Super League titles and domestic cup honours.
The move follows earlier reporting that Lyon were closing in on a deal for the winger. ReadChelsea had already covered how OL Lyonnes were close to signing Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, with the French champions now completing the move.
Chelsea Lose A Direct Right-Sided Threat
Rytting Kaneryd’s Chelsea spell was built on direct running, pace and moments of real individual quality.
She contributed to a league and cup double in her first season, scoring her first Chelsea goal against Brighton in a WSL win at Kingsmeadow. Her second campaign brought 10 assists, including one on her 50th appearance in a victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Her 2024/25 season included one of her standout Chelsea moments. A superb volley against Tottenham won Chelsea Women’s Goal of the Season, with Reuters describing how she scored twice and assisted in a 5-2 WSL win over Spurs.
Her final season also brought a perfect hat-trick away to Liverpool before Christmas, plus another winners’ medal after starting and assisting Aggie Beever-Jones’ goal in the League Cup final win over Manchester United.
For Chelsea, the football question now sits on the right side of the attack. Rytting Kaneryd gave the team natural width, ball-carrying and a direct route against deep defences.
ReadChelsea has already looked at how Katie McCabe’s arrival gives Chelsea a left-sided upgrade, but JoJo’s exit creates a different issue on the opposite flank.
Chelsea are not short of attacking talent, but replacing her profile is not as simple as replacing her numbers. The next wide option must give Sonia Bompastor the same ability to stretch full-backs, attack space and produce in big domestic moments.
Rytting Kaneryd leaves with a strong Chelsea legacy. Lyon gain a proven WSL winner, while Chelsea lose one of their most recognisable attacking outlets.
