Chelsea breaks transfer record with $1.1m Naomi Girma deal

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of United States defender Naomi Girma for a reported world-record fee.

The 24-year-old was unveiled on the pitch by the Women's Super League champions ahead of Sunday's game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

She arrives from San Diego Wave for a reported $1.1 eclipsing the current record - paid by Bay FC in February 2024 for Racheal Kundananji - by $250,000.

It makes Girma the first million-dollar transfer in the women's game after the Blues fended off competition from French side Lyon.

She told Chelsea's website: "I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real.

"There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It's a top environment to learn and grow in."