Oriane Jean-Francois has explained her decision to join Aston Villa from Chelsea.
The 24-year-old French midfielder joins Villa in what is a club record sale for Chelsea.
Why has Oriane Jean-Francois joined Aston Villa?
Speaking to the club’s website, Oriane Jean-Francois said she was excited about the project at Aston Villa.
She said: “I was looking for an ambitious project, so that’s what I felt when I spoke with the team. I was very convinced about the project, so that’s why I am here.
Jean-Francois added: “When I was at Chelsea and we played Aston Villa, I saw a very good team which plays good football, so that was a very good point for me because I know that I could fit well into the team and find a way to play football as I like it.
I am very excited and we have big things to do together. My ambition is to play in Europe, so that’s what I think we will try to get and I’m here to help, keep learning, keep improving and help the team in the best way.”
Villa director of women’s football, Marisa Ewers, said the move supports the club’s ambitions.
She said: “Oriane impressed throughout the European Championships as a starter for France, consistently performing at the highest level.
“We believe she will add immediate quality and further raise standards within the group.”
how do you say aura in French? 🤌 pic.twitter.com/HtVJlSVaMM
— Aston Villa Women (@AVWFCOfficial) January 12, 2026
How much did Aston Villa pay for Oriane Jean-Francois?
Aston Villa signed French midfielder Oriane Jean-Francois for a fee of around £450,000.
The 24-year-old joined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, and her move to Aston Villa is a club record sale for the reigning Women’s Super League champions.
It is also more than the £378,000 Tottenham paid for Signe Gaupset at the start of the window.
Jean-Francois struggled for gametime at Chelsea
Jean-Francois struggled to get minutes at Chelsea, leading to her exit from Stamford Bridge.
She made 22 appearances in all competitions during her debut season at Chelsea. However, she started just five out of her 11 appearances in the WSL.
This season has been even more of a struggle, with just one start in five WSL appearances.
She leaves Chelsea with just two goals and one assist in 29 appearances.
When could Jean-Francois make her Aston Villa debut?
The French midfielder could make her debut when Aston Villa play Arsenal in a difficult FA Cup fourth round clash on Sunday, January 18th.
That is followed by a tricky WSL clash against Manchester United, who will be looking to make amends for their shock defeat to Aston Villa back in November.
