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

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

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.