Chelsea smash world transfer record with Naomi Girma signing
Chelsea have smashed the transfer record in the women's game to sign USA international Naomi Girma from NWSL side San Diego Wave.
The London club unveiled their new signing in front of more than 30,000 supporters at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon ahead of their game against Arsenal in the Women's Super League. A late penalty from Guro Reiten separated the two teams on the day as Sonia Bompastor's side extended their lead at the top of the table.
Girma, 24, has signed for Chelsea on a four-and-a-half year deal until 2029 as they fended off competition from Arsenal and Lyon for the defender's signature. Chelsea have paid a fee in the region of £900,000 to the Wave, which has broken the previous transfer record of £685,000, set by Racheal Kundananji's move to Bay FC in February last year.
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Girma is highly regarded in the women's game and former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, who has since taken charge of the US Women's National Team, described her as the best defender she has ever seen. Her arrival significantly bolster's Bompastor's squad after Kadeisha Buchanan sustained an ACL injury back in November.
During her professional career in the US, Girma helped her former club to the NWSL shield back in 2023 and she was also named US Soccer's female player of the year. Last summer, she played an integral role in the USA clinching a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Speaking to Chelsea's club website, Girma said: "I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real.
"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. It was an easy choice for me."
Chelsea fans will have to wait to see Girma in action, however, as Bompastor confirmed after Sunday's win against Arsenal that she has a "minor injury" and will miss the trip to Aston Villa on February 2.
