Report: Chelsea signing USWNT star Girma in record-breaking transfer

Chelsea Women have reached an agreement with the San Diego Wave to sign U.S. defender Naomi Girma for a record-breaking fee of $1.1 million, sources told Meg Linehan of The Athletic.

When the deal is finalized, Girma will become the first women's soccer player to command a transfer fee in excess of $1 million.

The current record belongs to Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji, who joined Bay FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) from Madrid CFF for a reported $785,000 last year.

Girma, 24, is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. She played every minute during the United States' run to the gold medal at last year's Paris Olympics, earning high praise from head coach Emma Hayes along the way.

"She's the best defender I've ever seen," Hayes told reporters after the USWNT's semifinal victory over Germany. "Ever."

Girma made her international debut in 2022 and has since gone on to earn 44 international caps, anchoring the U.S. backline and providing a calming and commanding presence for Hayes' side.

She was the first overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft after playing collegiately at Stanford. Girma has twice been named the league's top defender, helping San Diego win the NWSL Shield in 2023.

She requested a move from the club last season, sources told Linehan, sparking widespread interest. European heavyweights Lyon were also interested in signing Girma this month and were prepared to offer $1 million to San Diego, according to Linehan.