Chelsea Nears $1.5M Transfer Deal for USWNT Forward Alyssa Thompson

Chelsea has reached a verbal agreement with Angel City over the transfer of U.S. forward Alyssa Thompson for an initial fee close to $1.5 million, potentially rising to nearly $2 million with add-ons, which would surpass previous women's transfer records. The 20-year-old Thompson, who was the first high school player drafted in the NWSL and has scored six goals in 16 league appearances this season, flew to London to complete a medical and finalize terms ahead of the English transfer deadline. Chelsea's pursuit of Thompson was accelerated by an injury to Mayra Ramírez, and the club has signed her to a five-year contract. Thompson is already a capped U.S. women’s national team player and was the youngest member of the 2023 World Cup squad. Despite a three-year extension signed with Angel City earlier this year, Thompson's move signals Chelsea's ongoing strategy to acquire top USWNT talent, joining players like Catarina Macario and Naomi Girma at the club. Angel City and the NWSL were initially reluctant to let Thompson go, but her transfer is expected to be completed imminently.