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Chelsea obliterate women's football world transfer record in historic deal that could change the sport forever

Chelsea obliterate women's football world transfer record in historic deal that could change the sport forever

The game-changing transfer has been confirmed, with the player paraded around the Stamford Bridge pitch on Sunday.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Chelsea have obliterated the world record transfer in women's football after announcing a game-changing deal.

Back in January 2024, the Blues set a new British transfer record of £384,000 when they snapped up Colombia striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante.

It followed up the British record £106 million deal for Enzo Fernandez the previous year. But the Blues have now gone a step further by splashing out a world record fee for USWNT defender Naomi Girma.

Girma had interested from both Lyon and Arsenal but it is Chelsea who were intent on signing the 24-year-old, who has penned a contract until the summer of 2029.

Chelsea unveiled Girma as their marquee signing on the Stamford Bridge pitch ahead of 1-0 WSL win over Arsenal on Sunday.

While they didn't disclose specifics of the deal, the BBC say the WSL leaders are paying San Diego Wave around £900,000 for Girma's services.

The fee eclipsed the previous transfer record, which saw Bay FC fork out £685,000 to draft in Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF just over a year ago.

"I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real," Girma told the club's official website after becoming the first million-dollar player in the history of women's football.

"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. Right now, that's what I'm looking to do."

Naomi Girma is the most expensive women's footballer of all time. Image: Getty
Naomi Girma is the most expensive women's footballer of all time. Image: Getty

Chelsea were in need of a new defender after seeing Kadeisha Buchanan suffer a knee injury which has ended her campaign and immediately set their sights on Girma, who helped the USWNT win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics last summer.

Top five transfer fees paid in women's football

1.Naomi Girma to Chelsea (£900,000)

2.Racheal Kundananji to Bay FC (£685,000)

3.Barba Branda to Orlando Pride (£582,000)

4.Keira Walsh to Barcelona (£400,000)

5.Tarciane to Houston Dash (£390,000)

Manager Emma Hayes, who lifted seven WSL titles before becoming USWNT boss, described Girma as the "best defender I have ever seen".

Chelsea are nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the WSL table after 12 games, having won 11, drawn one and avoided defeat.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Chelsea

Josh Lawless
Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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