Chelsea Set to Break Women’s Transfer Record with $1.1M Naomi Girma Deal
Chelsea are poised to sign Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for $1.1 million, breaking the women’s football transfer record as they aim for Champions League glory.
Original Source
The Times
Written by
Steve Worrell
Chelsea are finalising a groundbreaking deal to sign Naomi Girma, widely regarded as the best defender in women’s football, from San Diego Wave for a record $1.1 million. The transfer surpasses the previous $1 million milestone and underscores the increasing financial growth in women’s football. Girma’s arrival strengthens Chelsea’s already dominant squad, as they push for their first-ever Champions League title under Sonia Bompastor’s management. Girma’s accolades include Olympic gold, multiple Defender of the Year titles in the NWSL, and a spot in FIFA’s The Best XI for 2024.
- Historic Transfer Fee:
- The $1.1 million fee breaks the previous record set by Racheal Kundananji’s transfer ($860,000).
- Marks the first time the $1 million barrier has been surpassed in women’s football.
- Naomi Girma’s Credentials:
- At 24, Girma is hailed as the world’s best defender with accolades like Olympic gold, NWSL Defender of the Year (2022, 2023), and US Soccer Player of the Year (2023).
- Already has 44 international caps and was part of FIFA’s The Best XI in 2024.
- Chelsea’s Motivation:
- Chelsea seek to bolster their defense after Kadeisha Buchanan’s ACL injury.
- Girma’s addition is seen as a crucial step toward their pursuit of their first Champions League title.
- Chelsea’s Dominance Under Sonia Bompastor:
- Chelsea lead the WSL by seven points and have qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals with a perfect group stage record.
- A win against Arsenal this weekend could almost secure their sixth consecutive league title.
- Rising Investment in Women’s Football:
- Highlights the rapid increase in transfer fees, with the women’s transfer record broken five times in the past five years.
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Photo Credit
Getty
Written by
Steve Worrell
Steve, Co-founder of The 1905 Club, created the platform to provide honest, clickbait-free Chelsea FC content. He worked at Stamford Bridge from 2013 to 2016 with a Champions League sponsor. His first Chelsea match was a 1-0 win at Leeds in 2000, and his favourite was the epic 2012 Champions League game against Napoli.
