Chelsea sign Ramirez from Levante in world record fee

Chelsea have signed Colombian forward Mayra Ramirez from Levante, in what is a world record fee in women's football, both clubs announced on Friday, with the deal worth 450,000 euros ($488,610).

The 24-year-old, who joined Levante in 2022, has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Women's Super League club.

"The deal amounts to 450,000 euros fixed, plus 50,000 euros in variable amounts based on goals that the club expects to be met, one of which requires Ramirez to play 30 per cent of the matches," the Spanish club said.

The previous record was the 400,000 thousand euros paid by Barcelona to sign England midfielder Kiera Walsh from Manchester City in 2022.

Ramirez has made 30 appearances for Colombia, and was a member of the national team which reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Chelsea, winners of the WSL for the last three seasons, are currently leading the standings, and their next game is away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

($1 = 0.9210 euros)