Chelsea Signs Naomi Girma for Record Transfer Fee

Chelsea has signed United States defender Naomi Girma from the San Diego Wave for a world-record fee of $1.1 million, establishing her as the first million-dollar player in women's soccer. The transfer fee surpasses the previous record of £685,000 set by Bay FC for Racheal Kundananji in 2024. Girma, who was unveiled at Stamford Bridge ahead of Chelsea's match against Arsenal, joins the team as a replacement for the injured Kadeisha Buchanan. The 24-year-old defender has been praised as one of the best in the world, having played a pivotal role in the USWNT's Olympic gold-winning campaign. Girma expressed her excitement about joining Chelsea, citing the club's culture and winning mentality as key factors in her decision. She joins Chelsea's manager Sonia Bompastor's side, which is leading the Women's Super League and has ambitions in the Champions League.