Sam Kerr: Gotham FC sign former Chelsea striker

Australia striker Sam Kerr has joined Gotham FC on a four-year deal following her departure from Chelsea.

The 32-year-old - Chelsea's all-time top scorer in the Women's Super League - announced her Blues exit in May with her contract expiring.

Kerr scored 116 times in 158 appearances for Chelsea and netted the winning goal in her final game at home to Manchester United.

Gotham FC are based in New Jersey and New York, and Kerr played for the club from 2015 to 2017 when they were known as Sky Blue FC.

"I'm incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city," said Kerr.

"This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special."

She added: "The ambition here is clear, and I'm looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history."

Kerr joined Chelsea in January 2020, after a spell with Chicago Red Stars, and helped the club win five WSL titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Community Shield.

She arrived with superstar status and the deal to bring her in was widely regarded as the biggest WSL transfer at the time.

The forward finished level with Fran Kirby on the club's all-competitions top scorers list for the WSL era and was a crucial figure under former manager Emma Hayes.

Despite leaving the USA six years ago, Kerr returns as the all-time leading scorer in the National Women's Soccer League.

Kerr picked up the Golden Boot for three years in a row in the US - her last tally of 18 was the highest in a season until Temwa Chawinga scored 21 in 2024.

She also held the Australian W-League record upon her arrival at Chelsea and still sits third in that list.

In 2023, Kerr finished second in the Ballon d'Or voting after netting 29 goals in 38 appearances as the Blues secured a WSL and FA Cup double.

Kerr's leading status at Chelsea was unquestionable before she sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January 2024.

It took her more than 18 months to recover and she only returned to full fitness in the second half of the current season - after Chelsea's title challenge had faltered.

During her injury recovery, Kerr married former West Ham and USA midfielder Kristie Mewis and their son was born in May last year.