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.
Naija News learnt that the transfer fee for Girma is estimated at £900,000 ($1.1 million), exceeding the former record of £685,000 set by Bay FC for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.
The 24-year-old player, who was presented on the field by the Women’s Super League champions before their match against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, becomes the first signing of the January transfer window for Chelsea Women’s 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 £384,000 last year.
Girma was instrumental in the United States’ successful Olympic campaign in Paris last year, playing every minute, and she was also honoured as US Soccer’s female player of the year in 2023.
Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green said: “Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.”
“I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real,” said Girma during an interview with Chelsea’s website earlier.
“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here: the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.”
