In a world-record transaction, Chelsea broke the $1 million barrier to capture USA defender Girma.

In a world-record transaction, Chelsea broke the $1 million barrier to capture USA defender Girma.

After agreeing to personal terms to join from San Diego Wave for a world-record sum, USA defender Naomi Girma i set to undertake a medical at Chelsea this week.

The first women’s football transfer fee to surpass one million US dollars will be paid by the London club, which will pay $1.1 million (£890,000).

According to The Guardian, Girma has signed a long-term contract with Chelsea, and she will go to London for a medical with Sonia Bompastor’s team, who lead the Women’s Super League by seven points at the midway point.

The amount easily beats the record of roughly $860,000 that the American team Bay FC spent in February 2024 to acquire Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF.

Additionally, Chelsea’s January payment for Colombian striker Mayra Ramírez more than doubles the record for a signing by an English women’s team. It was estimated to be €450,000 (£384,000 at the time) with additional expenses of up to €50,000.

The 24-year-old center-back Girma was also a top transfer target for Lyon, a French team that reportedly made a $1 million bid, but it is believed Chelsea has been her top choice. She will be joining Mia Fishel and Catarina Macario, two other USA internationals, there.

Girma signed a contract with the NWSL team until 2026 and joined the San Diego Wave in 2022. She made her debut for her country in 2022 and has since earned 44 caps and two goals. She won the women’s player of the year award from US Soccer in 2023.