Chelsea sign Girma for women’s world record fee

After moving from San Diego Wave for a women’s world record fee, USA defender Naomi Girma described joining Chelsea as an “easy choice.”

The 24-year-old has signed a contract until summer 2029 after the Women’s Super League (WSL) leaders this week agreed to pay San Diego about £900, 000.

“I’m so happy and thoroughly excited to be here.” It doesn’t feel real”, said Girma, who was introduced to fans at Stamford Bridge before Sunday’s 1-0 WSL win over Arsenal.

“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here – the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players.

The fee broke the previous record of £685, 000, when Bay FC signed Racheal Kundananji last February.

Mayra Ramirez was signed for £384, 000 by Chelsea for the British market in January 2024, breaking the transfer record.

Girma told BBC Sport:” I’m really excited to play alongside Millie (Bright).

“I’m just really excited to be in with the group because there are so many players in this team who have so much experience and a lot of young players who have also been amazing,” said one player.

Defender Bright told BBC Sport: “We’re really lucky to have her. She chose us, and we’re so appreciative.

The rest of the league and Europe are informed of the direction we are heading and the titles we want to win in a statement.

We are eager to begin working with her because she will be a fantastic addition.

Sonia Bompastor, the manager of Chelsea, stated after the Arsenal game that Girma was “small injured” and would not be fit for the Aston Villa game on February 2.

Girma helped San Diego win the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Shield in 2023 and was named US Soccer’s female player of the year.

She was a member of the USA team that captured gold at the Paris 2024 Games.

After facing off against Lyon in a January transfer window, Girma is Chelsea’s first signing of the year.

Emma Sanders, BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Girma is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers because of her outstanding talents.

Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, who is now the USA manager, said Girma was the best centre-back in the world last year and that she will be happy to see her former team win her.

Girma arrives in England with goals to win more trophies, particularly in the Champions League, and is thought to have discussed what to expect from Chelsea with Hayes after snubging some silverware with the USA and San Diego.

Girma’s preference was always joining the Blues, despite the fact that Lyon offered higher wages and were willing to match the transfer fee Chelsea ultimately agreed to pay them.

Girma will bring them one step closer to achieving their first European title, according to manager Bompastor’s most significant signing to date.