In a historic development, Chelsea is set to pay an unprecedented $1.1 million transfer fee to bring USWNT standout defender Naomi Girma on board from the San Diego Wave, according to Meg Linehan from The Athletic.
As Girma negotiates a new contract with Chelsea, she is poised to make history as the first woman to command a transfer fee exceeding $1 million. The race for her signature has been intense, with Lyon also expressing strong interest and ready to offer more than the $1 million threshold. While clubs across Europe were keen on Girma, Arsenal notably did not make it to the final list of contenders.
Considered among the elite defenders globally, Girma has made a significant impact in women’s soccer, particularly as a center-back. USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has praised her as the finest defender she has ever seen, a sentiment shared by many who have witnessed Girma’s impressive skills on the pitch.
With 44 caps for the USWNT and numerous accolades in the NWSL, including winning the Shield and Challenge Cup with the Wave, Girma also boasts a successful collegiate career at Stanford University, where she earned honors like Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year in the NWSL. However, her omission from the finalists for the 2024 women’s Ballon d’Or caught many off guard, sparking discussions in the soccer community.
Chelsea’s readiness to break transfer records highlights their confidence in Girma’s extraordinary abilities and the potential influence she could have on the team. This transfer marks a pivotal moment in women’s soccer, reflecting the increasing recognition and investment in elite female athletes within the sport.
