Chelsea sign USA’s Thompson for club record fee

Chelsea, the reigning champions of the women’s Super League, has paid a club record for Alyssa Thompson.

The 20-year-old is a five-year contract-holder at Angel City.

According to sources at Chelsea, the fee is estimated to be less than £1 million.

“I want to learn a lot, grow and develop a lot, and having the opportunity to play with players who are the best in the world is an amazing opportunity at such a young age.

I think Chelsea is a fantastic place to do that.

Chelsea’s previous transfer record was Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for $900,000.

In this campaign’s sixteen NWSL games, Thompson has scored six goals. In her 22 games for the USA, she has three goals.

Thompson, who was still in high school at the time, has seen a significant improvement since receiving the first overall pick in the NWSL draft in 2023.

The first pick was ultimately paid for by Angel City’s Portland Thorns and Gotham FC for $450, 000 (£335, 000), breaking the previous record set by USA legend Alex Morgan.

Thompson’s NWSL debut was only 11 minutes away.

The first time in NWSL history that two siblings were named in the same starting XI was a year later, she joined her sister Gisele.

Alyssa was a member of the squad that won gold at the 2024 Olympic Games under former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, and they have also played together for the USA.

Thompson, who extended her contract in January to extend her until 2028, was a target for Angel City.

Since Chelsea will have to pay a higher fee this summer, that proved to be a crucial part of the club’s business.