Chelsea announce record-breaking signing of USA international defender Girma | OneFootball

Chelsea have announced the signing of United States national team defender Naomi Girma on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The player was presented to the fans ahead of this afternoon’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

The 24-year-old centre-back joins Chelsea from American National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club San Diego Wave. It is understood that The Blues have broken the world’s transfer record to sign the player.

Girma joined San Diego Wave following the conclusion of her college career. She has made 61 appearances for Wave in the NWSL and has won the NWSL Sheild and NWSL Challenge Cup with the club.

On the international stage, Girma has been capped by the United States on 44 occasions in which she has scored two goals. Girma was a member of the side that ended the 2024 Olympic Games as Gold Medalists.

After joining Chelsea, Girma said “I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real.

“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here – the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.

“Right now, that’s what I’m looking to do. It was an easy choice for me.”

Girma is Chelsea’s first signing of the January transfer window.