Chelsea duo Eriksson and Harder to depart at end of season

Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson and Danish forward Pernille Harder are set to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

The pair will likely turn out two more times for Emma Hayes' side as they look to complete back-to-back doubles and claim the WSL crown ahead of Manchester United.

Eriksson, 29, has made 183 appearances for the Blues, winning 11 trophies including four Women's Super League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups.

Chelsea's No16 has become a fan favourite during her time in England and remains ever-present in a side who have conceded only 15 league goals in 2022-23.

On Eriksson's departure, Hayes said: "There are not enough words to describe the impact Magda has had, not just on this football club but on me.

"She has been a wonderful leader, someone who has helped drive the team and its standards to the levels that we're at.

"Chelsea will always be her club, it will always be her home.

"She will forever remain a legend of this football club. She goes with my blessing and I wish her the best for her future."

Having joined from Linkopings in 2017, Eriksson will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever pull on a Chelsea shirt.

A tribute has been given to the Swedish international on the club's website, which was rounded off with a heartfelt message from everyone involved at Chelsea.

It said: "Everyone at Chelsea thanks Magda for the incredible service she has given to the club and wishes her every success for the next stage of her career.

"We hope you will join us in giving Magda a proper Kingsmeadow send-off at our final home league fixture against Arsenal on Sunday."

Harder heads for the hills

The club have also announced that 30-year-old Harder will follow Eriksson out of the door after three years at the club.

Harder has made 79 appearances for the Blues and scored 44 goals in what has been a trophy-laden stint at the club.

Hayes also commented on the No23's departure, saying: "Pernille is one of the best attacking players in the world and you see all of them qualities day in, day out.

"She has always been so driven to succeed, to get to the top and to help the team win trophies.

"Although she’s been missed with injury this season, we’ve seen especially in the last few games what qualities she has.

"I want to place on record my thanks for her brilliant contributions to the team’s success the past few years and I wish her the best for the future."