Chelsea officially announced the arrival of American central defender Naomi Girma on Sunday afternoon at agreement which is considered the most expensive in the history of women’s football.
Earlier this week, news broke that 24-year-old defender was willing to leave NWSL side San Diego Wave and join Chelsea for a fee of $1.1 million (£890,000). No player in the history of the women’s game has ever cost more, eclipsing the $860,000 (£690,000) she recently set American franchise Bay FC spent to win Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF in February 2024.
Chelsea already held the record for the most expensive transfer Women’s Super League (WSL) history, but Girma’s reported price is more than double the €450,000 (£384,000) it took to land Mayra Ramirez from Levante in January 2024.
“I’m so happy and very excited to be here,” Girma said Chelseaofficial website. “It doesn’t feel real.
“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me come here – the culture, the winning mentality, the staff and the players. It’s a great environment to learn and grow. Right now, that’s what I want to do. It was an easy choice for me. “
It’s official. ✍️
Naomi Girma plays for Chelsea football club. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hb7OMyhE06
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 26, 2025
Girma was the top pick in the 2022 NWSL draft and won Olympic gold under the tutelage of Chelsea’s legendary former manager Emma Hayes during the summer. Despite her all-encompassing influence, the Blues have hardly skipped a beat since the esteemed English coach took over the US women’s national team last year.
Chelsea’s record-breaking signing was unveiled at Stamford Bridge ahead of his new side’s WSL clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. Girma joins a Sonia Bompastor-led side that reached the top of the league table and did not drop a single point in the Champions League group stage.
The club’s vivacious boss of women’s football, Paul Green, was full of praise for the latest big-money move. “Naomi is a world-class defender who is now entering the best years of her career,” he said. “Her composure on the ball, ability to read the game combined with her pace and athleticism will add top quality to an already very talented squad.
“Naomi has showcased her talent in the NWSL by winning various individual awards and delivering on the international stage for the USA, including winning a gold medal at the Olympics this summer.
“She is undoubtedly ready for this next step in her career and we are delighted that it will be with Chelsea.”
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