Chelsea loan Julia Bartel to Atlético Madrid for a season
Chelsea have confirmed the loan of Spanish midfielder Julia Bartel to Atlético Madrid. The 21-year-old returns to her home country after a season on loan at Liverpool, with the aim of gaining more playing time and experience at the highest level.
Chelsea’s Plan for Young Talents
Chelsea Women continue their strategy of developing young players through loans, mirroring the men’s team model. Julia Bartel, signed from Barcelona in 2023, has found limited space in the Blues’ midfield, featuring in only two matches during the 2023/24 campaign.
After her loan spell at Liverpool last season—where she made seven appearances and registered one assist—the Spanish midfielder will now represent Atlético Madrid in the 2025/26 season.
Bartel’s Career Path
Bartel began her career at Espanyol’s academy before moving to Barcelona, where she broke into the senior setup during the 2020/21 season. Despite limited opportunities at club level, she shone with Spain’s youth national teams and built an impressive résumé.
By the age of 21, she has already collected major titles, including three League F trophies, a Women’s Super League medal, and a UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Opportunity at Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid see Bartel as a valuable reinforcement for their midfield rotation. The Spanish club debuts in the Liga F this Sunday (31), against Espanyol, away from home, and the young midfielder could make her debut immediately.
