Source: REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
[Saba Sports News] The Chelsea women’s team officially announced the signing of 24-year-old defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave. According to British media, the transfer fee for the deal is £890,000, breaking the record for the highest transfer fee in women’s football history. The 24-year-old US international signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea. Upon joining Chelsea, Girma said, “I am very happy and excited to be here, it feels unreal. Chelsea has many reasons that attracted me – culture, winning mentality, staff, and players. It’s a top environment for learning and growth, and that’s exactly what I want to do right now. It was an easy decision for me.” Girma helped the US women’s team win a gold medal at last year’s Olympics and is highly regarded among her generation of players. US women’s team coach Emma Hayes praised Girma as one of the best defenders he has seen. After defender Kadeisha Buchanan’s ACL injury, Chelsea has been seeking defensive reinforcements. San Diego Wave had hoped for a player exchange deal, but earlier this week, negotiations were still ongoing. Now, Chelsea has signed the world-class center-back for a record transfer fee.