Sam Kerr departs Chelsea as one of the club's greatest ever forwards, finishing with 64 WSL goals that made her the all-time top scorer. She leaves having won five league titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Community Shield across her time at the club. After an ACL injury cost her 18 months, she managed only four WSL starts this season but still finished as Chelsea's highest scorer in all competitions.

Kerr's exit follows a turbulent period on and off the pitch. She returned to fitness too late to aid Chelsea's title challenge, and the club went on to win the treble under Sonia Bompastor. Off the field, a high-profile court case and her marriage to Kristie Mewis shifted her focus away from England. She played just six successive games upon return, including an FA Cup semi-final goal against Manchester City, showing she still has plenty left.

Chelsea face a rebuild in attack. Manager Bompastor has confirmed a striker is a priority this summer, with Manchester City's Khadija Shaw reportedly topping the wishlist. Kerr scored six goals in 17 appearances this season, but injuries to Aggie Beever-Jones and Mayra Ramirez not featuring mean the number nine role has been vacant. Replacing her is a massive task — she scored 22 winning goals in WSL matches alone.