WSL 2024-25: Chelsea Makes History with Record-Breaking Signing of Star Player Girma!

Chelsea has made a big move by signing Naomi Girma, a talented defender from the United States, from San Diego Wave. This deal is significant—it sets a new world record for the transfer of a female football player, reportedly costing Chelsea £900,000 (about $1.1 million).

This transfer surpasses the previous record of £685,000 set earlier this year when Bay FC acquired Racheal Kundananji. Girma, 24, was introduced to fans at Stamford Bridge just before Chelsea’s match against Arsenal.

Girma expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real.” She mentioned that Chelsea’s culture, winning mindset, and the quality of the team contributed to her decision to join.

She is the first signing for Chelsea’s women’s team under new head coach Sonia Bompastor this January. The need for Girma arose after Kadeisha Buchanan, a Chelsea defender, suffered a serious injury that might keep her off the field for the rest of the season.

This transfer fee also exceeds the previous British record, which was set when Chelsea brought in striker Mayra Ramirez for £384,000 last year.

Girma had an impressive run with the United States, playing every minute during their successful Olympic campaign in Paris and earning the title of US Soccer’s female player of the year in 2023. Chelsea’s head of women’s football, Paul Green, praised her by saying, “Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.”