Chelsea set to complete world-record deal in major transfer coup

Chelsea Women are reportedly set to pay around £890,000 for Girma, which would make her the most expensive player in women’s football history.

The previous record was about £695,000, paid by Bay FC to sign Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF in February last year.

Girma is joining Chelsea from San Diego Wave and is set to undergo a medical after agreeing on personal terms.

This transfer would be a significant acquisition for Chelsea, who have remained unbeaten since Sonia Bompastor took over from Emma Hayes as head coach last summer.

Girma, widely recognized as one of the world’s top players, had drawn interest from French champions Lyon.

Her addition will strengthen Chelsea’s defence for the second half of the season, especially after Kadeisha Buchanan suffered a serious knee injury in November.

Currently, Chelsea sits atop the Women’s Super League, in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and competing in both domestic cups.

At 24, Girma has already earned 44 caps for the USA since her debut in 2022.

Emma Hayes praised Girma last summer during the USA’s gold medal-winning campaign at the Paris Olympics.

“She the best defender I’ve ever seen – ever,” said Hayes. “I’ve never seen a player as good as her at the back.”