Chelsea officially announced the arrival of US quarterback Naomi Girma on Sunday afternoon in a deal that is thought to be the most expensive in the history of women's football.
The news exploded earlier this week than 24-year-old defender He was about to leave the NWSL San Diego Wave team and join Chelsea for a $ 1.1 million fee (£ 890,000). No player in the history of women's game has cost more, eclipseing $ 860,000 (£ 690,000) newly established Franchiseer Bay FC spent to get Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF in February 2024.
Chelsea already kept the record for the most expensive transfer in it Women's Super League (WSL) History, however, the reported Girma price is more than twice the € 450,000 (£ 384,000) that had to reward the Ramirez Mara from Levante in January 2024.
“I am very happy and very excited to be here,” Girma said Chelseaofficial website. “It doesn't feel true.
“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here – culture, winning mentality, staff and players. It's a great environment to learn and grow. For now, that's what I'm looking for It was an easy choice for me. “
Is official. ✍️
Naomi Girma plays for Chelsea Football Club. 🔵 Pic.twitter.com/hb7omyhe06
– Chelsea FC Women (@chelseafcw) 26 January 2025
Girma was the best choice in the NWSL 2022 draft and won the golden Olympic medal Under the tutelage of Chelsea's former legendary manager, Emma Hayes during the summer. Despite its comprehensive impact, Blues have barely passed a blow since the venerable English coach took over the leadership of the US national women's team last year.
Chelsea's Recruitment that breaks the record was introduced to Stamford Bridge ahead of its new team match in WSL with Arsenal Sunday afternoon. Girma is joining a team under the direction of Sonia Bompastor, who has reached the top of the league table and has not lost any points in the Champions League group stage.
The head of the club's women's football, Paul Green, was full of praise for the last major money movement. “Naomi is a world -class defender who is now entering the early years of her career,” he said. “Her calm in Top, the ability to read the game along with her rhythm and athlete will add high quality to a very talented team.
“Naomi has shown her talent at NWSL winning different individual awards and has been presented on the international stage for the US, including this summer winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games.
“She is definitely ready for this other step in her career and we are glad she will be with Chelsea.”