Chelsea Women have signed United States defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave in a deal reportedly worth £900,000 ($1.1 million), making it the most expensive transfer in women’s football history.
The 24-year-old’s transfer surpasses the previous record of £685,000 set when Bay FC signed Racheal Kundananji in February 2024. Girma was unveiled at Stamford Bridge on Sunday ahead of Chelsea’s Women’s Super League clash against Arsenal.
Speaking to Chelsea’s 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, the staff, and the players. It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.”
Chelsea Women’s manager, Sonia Bompastor, made Girma her first signing of the January transfer window. The defender was brought in following an injury to Kadeisha Buchanan, who is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and could miss the rest of the season.
Chelsea’s head of women’s football, Paul Green, praised Girma’s quality, saying, “Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.”
Girma played a key role in the United States’ Olympic victory in Paris last year, featuring in every minute of the campaign. She was also named US Soccer’s Female Player of the Year in 2023, cementing her reputation as one of the best defenders in the world.
This deal also breaks the British transfer record previously set when Chelsea signed striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante for £384,000 in 2024.
