Chelsea Women are set to break records with the signing of Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for a reported $1.1 million, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
If completed, Girma will become the first women’s footballer to command a transfer fee exceeding $1 million.
A Historic Move in the Making
While Girma remains under contract with the Wave until 2026, Chelsea have made a significant bid to bring the 24-year-old defender to Europe.
The paperwork for the transfer and Girma’s contract is still being finalized according to The Athletic, with both clubs yet to officially comment.
Despite being included in the Wave’s preseason roster and reporting for training, Girma reportedly expressed a desire to leave the club last season, following in the footsteps of teammate Jaedyn Shaw, who recently transferred to the North Carolina Courage.
A World-Class Addition for Chelsea
Girma’s reputation as one of the world’s top defenders has only grown after her standout performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she played every minute and helped the USWNT secure gold.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has been vocal in her admiration for Girma, calling her “the best defender I’ve ever seen” following the U.S. semifinal victory over Germany.
The move comes at a crucial time for Chelsea, as key center-back Kadeisha Buchanan remains sidelined with an ACL injury.
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European Competition for Girma
Chelsea faced stiff competition from Lyon, who reportedly offered $1 million for the U.S. international.
However, Arsenal, another club known for their interest in top talent, was not involved in the final negotiations.
Naomi Girma’s Legacy and Future
Girma’s journey began as the first pick in the 2022 NWSL draft after her collegiate career at Stanford.
She quickly became a cornerstone for the Wave, winning NWSL Defender of the Year twice and helping secure the 2023 NWSL Shield.
On the international stage, Girma has earned 44 caps since her debut in April 2022.
