Katie McCabe: Any team would be lucky to have Republic of Ireland captain, says Carla Ward

Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward says Katie McCabe would be a “good fit for any team in the world” as the defender prepares to make the move to Chelsea.

McCabe left Arsenal after the expiry of her contract to end a trophy-laded 11-year spell at the club.

The 30-year-old is now set to move across London to Chelsea, who beat off competition from Manchester City for the versatile left-back.

McCabe moved to Arsenal in 2015 and will be regarded as one of the club’s greatest players in the WSL era.

She won the league title in 2019 and was key as Arsenal lifted the Champions League for the first time in 2025 and Fifa’s Champions Cup last summer.

While Ward did not comment on Chelsea as a destination, she said McCabe is a “top, top player”.

After her move to Chelsea is announced, McCabe will captain the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands and in France.

“I’ve said it a lot, she’s the best left-back in the world. There’s no question about it,” Ward said.

“Last year, she was in every single WSL team of the year no matter where you looked.

“Katie will be a good fit for any team and anyone would be lucky to have her.”