World Cup 2023, Matildas free agency, transfer rumours: Kyra Cooney-Cross eyes Chelsea move

One of the stars of Australia’s World Cup campaign looks set to become a club teammate of Sam Kerr in a huge transfer move. Find out which Matildas are attracting interest here.

Australia's midfielder #19 Katrina Gorry (L), Australia's defender #22 Charlotte Grant and Australia's midfielder #23 Kyra Cooney-Cross (R) celebrate at the end of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup round of 16 football match between Australia and Denmark at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 7, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Some of the biggest Football clubs in the world are circling Matildas’ midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross – like a flock of seagulls waiting for a hot chip – but one club is rumoured to be leading the race.

The likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Lyon have all expressed an interested in signing the 21-year-old superstar, who is understood to be off contract at Swedish club Hammerby IF at the end of the season.

But English club Chelsea, where Matildas captain Sam Kerr has spent the past three seasons, is rumoured to be the closest to signing the midfielder sensation.

If the deal goes ahead Cooney-Cross will become the second Matildas player to make the move from Sweden to England Women’s Super League this season with goalkeeper Teagan Micah signing with Liverpool prior to the World Cup kicking off.

All but two of the Matildas’ 23-women World Cup squad play overseas – with 10 currently contracted to WSL teams.

Tireless Australian midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross made a big impression during the World Cup. Picture: AFP

Hayley Raso is bound for Real Madrid after a stint at Manchester City and Kyah Simon wasn’t re-signed by Tottenham following her ACL tear.

Clare Hunt, who plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League Women’s competition is said to be chasing a contract overseas as soon as possible.

While Cortnee Vine, who kicked Australia’s match winning penalty against France, is yet to announce what she plans to do next season.

Vine plays for Sydney FC, but is yet to confirm if she will be pulling on the blue jersey next season or taking up an offer to play overseas.

The Brisbane girl is very grateful to the A-Leagues, previously telling Code Sports she wouldn’t be the player she was today without it.

“At the moment I’m focusing on the World Cup,” Vine said,

“This was something that I didn’t even know was going to happen. So now it’s happening I just want to be in the moment enjoy every moment.

After this, I’ll reflect and figure out a decision what I’m planning to do next.”

Originally published as World Cup 2023, Matildas free agency, transfer rumours: Kyra Cooney-Cross eyes Chelsea move