No transfer in the history of women’s soccer has been bigger than Naomi Girma’s move from San Diego Wave to Chelsea, which sources tell The Equalizer is the first $1 million transfer in the women’s game. As one of the best players in the world right now, several factors had to align for this move to happen. So why Chelsea, and why now? Why was the move so expensive? And how does she fit in Chelsea’s setup?
The January transfer window has historically been quieter than its summer counterparts, with European teams often reluctant to seek out big transfers mid-season. However, with the National Women’s Soccer League season played on an opposite schedule, moves from the U.S. to Europe are made more plausible during the winter.
Girma’s move to Chelsea was met with competition from Olympique Lyonnais who had offered a similar valuation. Still, Chelsea ultimately won the race for her signature.
The move represents Chelsea’s continuous search for the best talent to add to their squad. If there’s a deal to be done, Chelsea are usually in the mix.
The signing is also driven partially by the need for centerback depth after Canadian international Kadiesha Buchanan suffered an ACL injury in November. Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor currently has Millie Bright and Natalie Björn as her starting center-backs with Maelys Mpome and Aniek Nouwen as backups. At the age of 21, Mpome is still early in her development whilst Nouwen hasn’t hit the ground running as a starter since her return from an ACL injury of her own. Sjoeke Nüsken and Lucy Bronze have both filled in at center-back when required but that’s not where they are best utilized.
