Chelsea Ladies have announced the signing of Swedish defender Emma Wilhelmsson.
The 27-year-old has joined following an impressive trial during the International Women’s Club Championship (IWCC) in December, in which Wilhelmsson played the full 90 minutes in both games as Chelsea Ladies finished as runners up.
Wilhelmsson joins from Swedish side Jitex BK, having previously played for Malmo, winning three league titles and playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League during her time with the club.
A former Sweden Under-23 international, Wilhelmsson can play anywhere across the back four, while she is also an accomplished defensive midfielder.
"I feel incredibly happy and proud to get the chance to represent a big club like Chelsea," said Wilhelmsson.
"I see it as a great opportunity both personally and as a football player to get to the next step in my career.
"The club has good ambitions and I’m going to do my very best for the team so that we can achieve these goals."
Wilhelmsson partnered England’s Laura Bassett in defence during the IWCC in Japan and is manager Emma Hayes’ sixth signing of the off season following the arrivals of Bassett, Rachel Williams, Gilly Flaherty, Katie Chapman and South Korean Ji So-Yun.
Hayes said: "Emma is an excellent addition to the squad and we are delighted to have signed her after she made such a big impression in Japan.
"She is strong, good in the air, tough to beat but also very impressive technically and I have no doubts she will flourish in the Women’s Super League."
