Chelsea Women agree WORLD RECORD transfer deal

Cameron Smith

Updated: 21 Jan 2025 15:31 CST
3 min read

Chelsea Women have reportedly agreed a deal to sign San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma for a world record soccer transfer fee of $1.1 million (€1.06m).

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Girma, 24, is widely considered to be one of the best defenders in women’s football and Chelsea are on the verge of confirming her arrival for a new transfer record.

French giants Olympique Lyon were also willing to make Girma the most expensive female footballer of all time, but Chelsea are set to win the race for her signature, as per The Athletic, after agreeing a $1.1m deal for the USWNT star.

Girma’s current contract at San Diego Wave isn’t due to expire until 2026, which is why Chelsea have been required to pay a substantial transfer fee in order to land her this month.

The 24-year-old played every minute for the USWNT as they won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while she has twice been named as the NSWL’s defender of the year.

Following Girma’s performance against Germany at the Olympics, head coach Emma Hayes even told reporters: “She’s the best defender I’ve ever seen. Ever.”

BREAKING: Chelsea Women have agreed to terms with the San Diego Wave for the transfer of USWNT defender Naomi Girma, sources tell The Athletic.

The 24-year-old is now set to become the first player to earn a transfer fee worth more than $1 million.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 21, 2025

Most expensive women’s footballer in history

Girma is set to overtake Racheal Kundananji as the most expensive women’s footballer of all time when her move to Chelsea is formally announced.

Kundananji joined Bay FC from Madrid CFF for €805,000 in February 2024, but her record is on the verge of tumbling following news of Chelsea’s agreement with San Diego Wave.

When Girma’s move to Stamford Bridge is confirmed, Chelsea Women will have two of the four most expensive players in world football in their ranks, following the €500,000 arrival of Mayra Ramirez from Levante last year.

Sonia Bompastor’s side are currently top of the WSL, having picked up 10 wins and one draw from their opening 11 league matches this campaign.