Chelsea have signed goalkeeper, Livia Peng from Werder Bremen on a free transfer.
Peng’s move comes after two years at Werder Bremen where she kept 11 clean sheets in 41 league appearances, but the 23-year-old Switzerland international has now decided to join Chelsea where she will compete with Femke Liefting as back-up to Hannah Hampton.
“It feels so good to be here. When I was 10, I dreamed of playing for Chelsea. Now, my childhood dream has come true and it’s so exciting. I’m really happy to join the Chelsea family and get started.
“It’s such a big club. Chelsea want to win titles and so do I. We’re a good match. I’m hungry to win here.”
Peng also spoke of her desire to try new challenges which make her feel like she is still at home, whilst enjoying her football in West London
“I love challenges, but I also like to feel at home. I’ve had a lot of experiences and seen different cultures, different people, different clubs, different languages. I’ve learned a lot but now I’m ready to enjoy being here.
“It’s not always easy to move, but I try to be open, talk with people and adapt quickly. I think learning English will be a bit difficult at the beginning, but I’m learning and improving. I’m excited.”
On preparing for life under Sonia Bompastor who led the Blues to an unbeaten domestic treble last season, Peng is excited to be playing under her “ambitious” football.
“Sonia is ambitious, and I enjoyed speaking with her. I felt she’s also like a mum in the way she cares about her players, and she wants everyone to feel safe. It’s important to me to be ambitious on the pitch, but also like a family off the pitch, so it’s great.”
Teasing fans as to what they can expect for her, Peng quipped: “I would say I’m an active goalkeeper,’ she continued. ‘I try to give options to the defenders or midfielders as much as possible.
“I’m good in 1v1 situations. I also try to enjoy the game. I love being in the game and moving around rather than standing still.”
Chelsea’s Head of Women’s Football, Paul Green added: “Livia is a proactive and athletic goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at her feet. Out of possession, she protects the space behind her defenders and is strong in one-v-one-situations.
“Livia will add further competition to our already talented goalkeeping group, and we look forward to seeing her develop in a Chelsea shirt.”
Peng began her career at FC Zurich where she achieved two Swiss Championship and Swiss Cup titles apiece, before she moved to BK Hacken in 2022 for one season – which included a loan spell at Levante alongside her new Chelsea teammate – Mayra Ramirez.
Peng will officially complete her move on 1 July once her contract at Werder Bremen expires.
