Chelsea to sign USA's Girma for world record fee

USA defender Naomi Girma is set to join Chelsea in a record-breaking transfer worth around £900,000 ($1.1 million), making her the first million-dollar female footballer.

The 24-year-old, widely regarded as one of the world's best players, will leave San Diego Wave for the Women's Super League leaders.

Chelsea prioritized Girma’s signing following Kadeisha Buchanan's ACL injury. Girma’s accolades include NWSL Defender of the Year (2022, 2023) and Rookie of the Year (2022).

She played a key role in San Diego's NWSL Shield win and was pivotal in the USA's Olympic gold victory in 2024.

Chelsea, already top of the WSL and in the Women's Champions League knockout stages, see Girma as a crucial addition to their squad under manager Sonia Bompastor.