Chelsea and Lyon are emerging as potential destinations for United States women’s national team defender Naomi Girma, whose transfer could potentially establish a new record in women’s soccer, as multiple sources have informed The Equalizer.
Girma, lauded by U.S. head coach Emma Hayes as “the best defender I’ve ever seen” last summer, is currently signed with San Diego Wave FC until 2026. She is widely recognized as the premier centerback globally and has attracted interest from elite European clubs for an extended period.
ESPN was the first to disclose that Girma may become the first female player in history to command a $1 million transfer fee. The existing world record was established last year, when Bay FC of the NWSL paid a transfer fee of €735,000 (approximately $788,000 at the time), alongside $75,000 in potential performance bonuses.
Over the past fortnight, various sources have indicated to The Equalizer that Chelsea is in a strong position to secure Girma’s services, although one source noted that both Chelsea and Lyon remain contenders. Lyon has shown considerable interest in the American defender for quite some time. Arsenal has also been involved in the pursuit of Girma.
Former Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall was recently appointed head coach of San Diego following a challenging season for the Wave. However, multiple sources have conveyed to The Equalizer that the interest in a transfer abroad for Girma originated well before the winter. U.S. teammate and rising talent Jaedyn Shaw recently departed the Wave in a trade that was also initiated early in 2024.
The transfer window in England remains open until January 30, while the primary transfer window for the NWSL begins on January 28.
Girma made a significant impact on the professional and international stage in 2022 when she was the first overall pick in the NWSL Draft. In her debut NWSL season, she was awarded Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year accolades, contributing to the Wave’s leadership of the NWSL table for half the season and enabling them to become the first expansion team to reach the playoffs. In 2023, she helped secure the NWSL Shield for the Wave.
Her impressive domestic performances earned her a starting role with the United States prior to the 2023 World Cup, where she was one of the bright spots on a U.S. team that faced an early exit in the Round of 16.
Girma was a key defensive asset for the U.S. during the 2024 Olympics, aiding the team in their pursuit of a gold medal.
Image Source: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock
