3 days ago
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Image source, Getty Images
Naomi Girma was nominated for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award in 2024
Chelsea have completed the signing of USA defender Naomi Girma for a world record fee.
The 24-year-old has signed a contract until summer 2029 after the Women's Super League leaders this week agreed to pay San Diego Wave about £900,000.
It exceeds the £685,000 Bay FC paid for Zambia's Racheal Kundananji last February.
Chelsea set the British transfer record when they signed Mayra Ramirez for £384,000 in January 2024.
Girma is Chelsea's first signing of the January transfer window after they fought off competition from Lyon.
Chelsea made her a priority target after losing defender Kadeisha Buchanan to a season-ending knee injury.
In 2023 Girma helped San Diego win the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Shield and was named US Soccer's female player of the year.
She was part of the USA side that won gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
More to follow.
