Chelsea has officially acquired United States defender, Naomi Girma, from San Diego Wave, in a deal that is reportedly a world record for a female footballer.
OsunDailyNG learnt that the transfer fee for Girma is estimated at ยฃ900,000 ($1.1 million), exceeding the former record of ยฃ685,000 set by Bay FC for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.
The 24-year-old player, who was presented on the field by the Womenโs Super League champions before their match against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, becomes the first signing of the January transfer window for Chelsea Womenโs head coach Sonia Bompastor, who sought Girma following an injury to defender Kadeisha Buchanan, which may sideline her for the remainder of the season.
This fee surpasses the previous British record, which was set when Chelsea acquired striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante for ยฃ384,000 last year.
Girma was instrumental in the United Statesโ successful Olympic campaign in Paris last year, playing every minute, and she was also honoured as US Soccerโs female player of the year in 2023.
Chelsea head of womenโs football Paul Green said: โNaomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.โ
โIโm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesnโt feel real,โ said Girma during an interview with Chelseaโs website earlier.
โThere are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here: the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. Itโs a top environment to learn and grow in.โ