Alyssa Thompson Reveals USWNT Coach Emma Hayes’ Major Help in Big Chelsea Move

Looks like the whispers in the air have finally been proven true—Alyssa Thompson is officially a Chelsea player. After being linked for weeks with a surprise exit from her first-ever professional club, Angel City, the young forward has sealed a club record $1.3 million deadline-day move to the WSL giants. While it was her own gut feeling and excitement that ultimately drove the decision, you might be surprised to learn that her USWNT boss, Emma Hayes, also played a key role behind the scenes.

Well, to be honest, little did we know the English tactician would—at least as someone who spent over 12 years at the very club, guiding them to 16 trophies before opening her doors to the international front. So, Alyssa Thompson just had to get inspired to join the Blues. At least, that’s what she revealed in her first interview with the club. “Emma [Hayes] always talks about her experiences at Chelsea in the national team, and just like how much she loved it,” began the talented forward.

Mind you, hearing the mighty tales of Hayes is one thing, but being rational about the decision is another. More than just a mentor to her player, Thompson revealed how Hayes made her realize exactly what she was getting into. “But when I talked to Emma about coming here, she really wanted to make sure this was the right decision for me,” added Alyssa, praising the 48-year-old’s evergreen support for her players.

Mind you, hearing the mighty tales of Hayes is one thing, but being rational about the decision is another. More than just a mentor to her player, Thompson revealed how Hayes made her realize exactly what she was getting into. “But when I talked to Emma about coming here, she really wanted to make sure this was the right decision for me,” added Alyssa, praising the 48-year-old’s evergreen support for her players.

Thompson insisted that Emma Hayes asking the “right questions” was key to giving her clarity and understanding over whether she truly wanted the move or not. “Having her prod me with those questions helped me know in my heart that I actually did want to come here, even though there would be difficult things that I might face,” concluded the 20-year-old, thanking her USA boss for all the guidance.

Typical Emma Hayes for you, ladies and gentlemen. Boy, have we heard a lot about the former Chicago Red Stars boss when it comes to giving the extra-mile support that all the players seek. And yet another day, it was Alyssa Thompson asking for advice, which ultimately saw the young talent join the prestigious ranks of Chelsea, getting a chance to join her fellow USWNT teammates, including Catarina Macario and Naomi Girma, who herself signed for the Blues just this year for $1.1 million.

While Thompson’s $1.3 million is the highest in Chelsea women’s history books, sources of ESPN reported that this could rise up to even $2 million when counting the add-ons. But eventually, it would still be falling short of the record set earlier on Friday when Grace Geyoro joined London City Lionesses from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal valued at £1.43 million ($1.9m).

Regardless, the talking point remains that Alyssa Thompson is finally in London. And even if Emma Hayes made it easy for the forward to join the Blues, there was another tough thing that the player struggled to do!

Alyssa Thompson bids an emotional farewell to Angel City

After the word kept spreading around the town, Alyssa Thompson wrote an emotional goodbye message for the entire LA and Angel City community. Sharing an Instagram carousel post showcasing her journey with the California-based club, the forward began, “This is a hard one,” before expressing her gratitude for being able to play in her hometown.

“I truly believe the Angel City fans are some of the best in the world. To play in front of them and my friends and family has been something I will never forget. I will forever cherish and deeply miss all the memories made at BMO,” she added, thanking all the fans for always supporting her and the team.

While citing it as a “difficult” transition, Thompson explained her decision to join Chelsea as an opportunity “she couldn’t pass up,” even though it was just around the beginning of this year, she signed a three-year contract extension with ACFC. Having made 62 appearances for Angel City, scoring 15 goals, the current campaign saw Alyssa net six times in 16 league games.

In order to complete her move, she even missed Angel City’s recent NWSL match against Bay FC, citing an “excused absence” from the squad. Following the 2-1 win, head coach Alexander Straus admitted the past few days had been “difficult,” sending a clear yet subtle message to the youngster about leaving the club.

Not to mention the past few days also saw ACFC sanction the exit of midfielder duo Alanna Kennedy and Katie Zelem to London City Lionesses, as well as forward Julie Dufour to Portland Thorns, let alone the fact that they are just outside the playoff zone, struggling quite significantly in the NWSL domestic table.

Then again, Chelsea had their own reasons to quickly jump into the matter and lure Thompson away. Sonia Bompastor and Co. had long been monitoring the 2023 World Cup participant for quite some time alongside her sister, Gisele Thompson. As the hamstring injury ruled out Mayra Ramírez until 2026, it only pushed the 7x WSL winners to quickly move for the 20-year-old.

And the result is right in front of you, with Thompson signing a five-year deal on lucrative terms, proudly donning the No. 12 jersey as she was unveiled during today’s WSL 2-1 win over Manchester City. Playing in the Champions League and testing herself against some of the best teams in the world now stands as one of the greatest perks of joining Chelsea.

Yet, deep in Alyssa’s heart, no matter how remarkable she feels about this move to the WSL champions, it is Angel City that will always remain a part of her, no matter what. “We’re still just at the beginning. And no matter where I am physically, Los Angeles and Angel City will always be in my heart🩷,” concluded Thompson.

We hope it truly does, as ardent fans will surely be thanking her for all of her contributions over the years and standing firmly behind her as she begins this new chapter at Chelsea. Either way, share your thoughts in the comments below.