Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners in the pursuit of United States Women’s National Team star Naomi Girma, with the London club preparing a potential world-record €1 million bid for the San Diego Wave defender. The 24-year-old center-back has attracted attention from several European giants, including Lyon and Arsenal, following her outstanding performances for both club and country.
According to ESPN, Chelsea’s interest in Girma has intensified following USWNT coach Emma Hayes’ glowing assessment of the defender as “the best defender I’ve ever seen” after her pivotal role in securing Olympic gold last summer. Hayes’ imminent move to coach the USWNT adds an intriguing dimension to Chelsea’s pursuit of the American star.
The proposed transfer fee would shatter the current women’s football record of $862,000, set when Bay FC acquired Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF. This potential landmark deal reflects both Girma’s exceptional talent and the growing financial muscle of women’s football in Europe.
San Diego Wave face a challenging situation with their defensive cornerstone, as Girma’s current contract runs until the end of 2026. The club’s new ownership group, which took control in October, must now navigate the complex task of either securing Girma’s long-term future or maximizing her transfer value.
The National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) salary cap regulations add another layer of complexity to Girma’s future. League rules impose a tax on clubs spending over $500,000 net on transfer fees, effectively ruling out domestic transfers at the rumored price point and limiting Girma’s options to European suitors.
Lyon’s interest carries particular intrigue given their track record of developing world-class talent and the presence of Girma’s USWNT teammate Lindsey Horan at the French club. The eight-time Champions League winners have long been a destination of choice for America’s top players seeking European success.
Arsenal’s involvement in the race for Girma’s signature demonstrates the growing competitiveness of the Women’s Super League (WSL) in attracting elite international talent. The London club’s rich history and recent investments in their women’s program make them an attractive destination for players of Girma’s caliber.
Chelsea’s position as favorites, however, speaks to their emergence as a dominant force in women’s football. The Blues have consistently demonstrated their willingness to break transfer records and invest heavily in building a world-class squad capable of competing for major honors both domestically and in Europe.
For San Diego Wave, the potential loss of Girma would represent a significant setback to their ambitions. Under new manager Jonas Eidevall, the club faces the challenging task of either convincing their star defender to extend her stay in the NWSL or securing maximum value from her departure.
The unprecedented transfer fee under discussion reflects both Girma’s exceptional abilities and the rapidly evolving landscape of women’s football. As the sport continues to grow commercially, such landmark transfers may become increasingly common, particularly for players of Girma’s caliber who combine youth, experience, and proven excellence at the highest level.
As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on San Diego’s response to this European interest in their prized defender. The outcome of this transfer saga could set new benchmarks for player valuations in women’s football and signal another significant step in the sport’s professional development.
