NAOMI GIRMA is set to join Chelsea for a world-record transfer fee from NWSL side San Diego Wave.
The deal for the USA international is thought to be around £900,000 ($1.1m), surpassing the £685,000 fee Bay FC paid for Zambia ace Racheal Kundananji.
Chelsea’s swoop for the player, who is 24, comes two months after their centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during their defeat of Liverpool.
It will also see them beat Lyon to Girma’s signature with the eight-time Champions League winners believed to be keen on the defender.
According to ESPN Chelsea are thought to have agreed terms with Girma, who is a key figure in the USA team managed by former Blues boss Emma Hayes.
The California-born ace is one of the sport’s most highly-rated defenders and a player ex-San Diego Wave boss Casey Stoney believes will be a “massive gain” for the club.
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The centre-back played a significant role in helping her national side to win a gold medal in the women’s football tournament at last year’s Olympics in Paris.
Hayes, who guided Chelsea to seven WSL title wins during her 12-year reign, described her as a player who is “unbelievable” on the pitch.
Last August, the USA Women’s boss said: “She’s got everything, poise, composure, she can defend, she anticipates, she leads. She’s unbelievable.”
Girma performances led to her being included in Fifa’s 2024 Best Women’s 11 side.
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This line-up, which is dominated by Barcelona stars, also includes England and Blues right-back Lucy Bronze.
Chelsea’s move for Girma follows the club breaking the British transfer record to sign Mayra Ramirez last January.
The Colombia striker joined the WSL leaders from leaders from Spanish side Levante for a fee of £384,000 along with add-ous of up to £42,600.
Chelsea, who host title rivals Arsenal in a WSL clash this Sunday, are currently top of the league after 10 wins and one draw so far this term.
So far this season, under Sonia Bompastor, the Blues are currently unbeaten across all competitions.
The Stamford Bridge duel will be Arsenal’s first away trip to the league leaders since Renee Slegers became the Gunners’ permanent head coach.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
