Harry who?! Watkins makes England case as Kane watches on

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Why Man Utd & Liverpool both want Argentine teen Soler

Top 25 African players of the 21st century - ranked

Vini's nightmare goes on as Brazil drop more WCQ points

'Please leave him alone!' - Deschamps sends out Mbappe plea

Mendes responds to Ronaldo criticism of Portugal players

Where's Leo?! Messi invisible as Argentina upset by Paraguay

Ronaldo stunner the cherry on top for five-star Portugal 

Amorim told he's already made his first mistake at Man Utd

How to watch Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson from anywhere

Twellman reportedly investigated for physical altercation

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Bronze to leave Barcelona this week</li><li>Defender's exit comes despite a renewal offer</li><li>Chelsea have held discussions with Lioness</li></ul>

Lucy Bronze is a free agent! Lionesses star set for big summer move as trophy-laden Barcelona spell comes to an end

Liga F

Real Madrid Femenino

Barcelona

Friendlies

England

Bronze's contract expires this month and as well as the England defender talking about her love for the club, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lucy-bronze-barcelona-lionesses-england-united-states-renewal/blt14970ad66a91a53f" target="_blank">reports suggested that Barca wanted to keep her around, too</a>. However, doing so was always going to be difficult due to the financial regulations that the Catalans need to adhere to. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/alexia-putellas-snub-interest-nwsl-two-year-deal-barcelona-women/blt89b8a2e52b338565">Even before Alexia Putellas renewed in a bumper deal last month</a>, it was widely reported that Bronze would need to take a pay cut if the two parties were going to come to an agreement on a new contract.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In the end, Barca were able to put an offer on the table for the England star but Sport understands that Bronze's decision not to accept it comes from her wanting to be guaranteed a bigger role in the team. The 32-year-old will now become a free agent when her deal runs out on June 30.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Se marcha Lucy Bronze dos años después y habiendo cumplido con creces lo que venía a hacer: hacer crecer al equipo y ganar finales, con su experiencia y físico. ▪️ Tenía oferta de renovación sobre la mesa y en los últimos días ha comunicado que no la aceptaba ▪️ El motivo es… <a href="https://t.co/93SpB0KbUT">pic.twitter.com/93SpB0KbUT</a>— Maria Tikas (@MariaTikas) <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaTikas/status/1806255386359374190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

A statement from Barcelona read: "Seven titles out of eight possible. This is the legacy left to FC Barcelona by one of the best defenders in the history of women's football. And it is that Lucy Bronze will not renew her contract that tied her to the club until June 30 of the current season. The club wishes Lucy Bronze the best of luck and success in her new stage, both personally and professionally."

WHAT BARCELONA SAID

Unsurprisingly given her calibre, there has been plenty of rumoured interest in Bronze while her contract has been expiring, with clubs in England and the United States among those keeping tabs on her situation. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jun/27/chelsea-lucy-bronze-barcelona-exit-announced?CMP=share_btn_url" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> understands that Chelsea have held discussions with her over a move.

DID YOU KNOW?

Whether the Lionesses star chooses to remain in Europe, in a bid to add to her five Champions League titles, or looks for a new adventure in the U.S. for example, we'll soon find out.

WHAT NEXT FOR BRONZE?

Lucy Bronze is a free agent! Lionesses star set for big summer move as trophy-laden Barcelona spell comes to an end | Goal.com

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze will leave Barcelona this summer despite being offered a contract to remain with the European champions.