Naomi Girma, the talented defender of the United States women’s national team, has garnered considerable attention lately, as both Chelsea and Lyon are emerging as potential new homes for her. If the transfer materializes, it could mark a groundbreaking moment in women’s soccer, potentially establishing a record transfer fee, as reported by various sources including The Equalizer.
Praise for Girma’s abilities has come from none other than U.S. head coach Emma Hayes, who described her as “the best defender I’ve ever seen.” That’s no small accolade, especially considering the world of women’s soccer is filled with phenomenal talent. Currently, Girma is contracted with San Diego Wave FC until 2026, but her reputation as one of the top central defenders globally has caught the eyes of elite European clubs eager to enhance their squads.
In fact, as reported by ESPN, Girma is on the brink of potentially becoming the first female player to incite a $1 million transfer fee. This would surpass the previous record set last year when Bay FC acquired a player for €735,000 (around $788,000) and an additional $75,000 in performance-related bonuses. It’s noteworthy to mention that this surge in interest is not just a recent phenomenon; Girma has been on the radars of these prominent clubs for a while now.
Current developments indicate that Chelsea may have the upper hand in this high-stakes race, though Lyon and even Arsenal are in the mix for Girma’s coveted signature. The appointment of former Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall to the head coaching position at San Diego last season has added a layer of intrigue, but the talks of Girma’s potential move began well before winter rolled in. Moreover, the recent trade of U.S. teammate Jaedyn Shaw from San Diego indicates that the team is undergoing significant changes.
Fans of the NWSL should take note that the transfer window in England remains open until January 30, while the NWSL’s primary transfer window will kick off on January 28. This could set the stage for a whirlwind of activity in the coming weeks, with Girma at the heart of it all.
Girma’s career has been nothing short of impressive. After being the first overall pick in the NWSL Draft in 2022, she quickly made her mark in the league, winning both Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year honors. During her rookie season, she played an instrumental role in leading the Wave to the top of the NWSL table for half the season, making history as the first expansion team to reach the playoffs. By 2023, she played a pivotal role in helping the Wave secure the NWSL Shield.
Her domestic success translated beautifully onto the international stage, where she was named a starter for the U.S. Women’s National Team ahead of the 2023 World Cup. Although the team faced an unexpected exit in the Round of 16, Girma emerged as one of the standout players. More recently, she showcased her defensive prowess during the 2024 Olympics, contributing significantly as the team aims for gold.
It’s clear that Girma is a force to be reckoned with in women’s soccer, and her potential transfer to Europe could not only reshape her own career but also elevate the prominence of women’s soccer on a global scale. Fans are eager to see how her story unfolds, and whether she will break barriers both on and off the field.
