Chelsea finalising record $1.1m transfer deal for San Diego Wave & USWNT centre-back Naomi Girma

Naomi Girma could be heading to Stamford Bridge, as the San Diego Wave and Chelsea have reportedly agreed to a women's record transfer fee of $1.1 million for the USWNT star.

Chelsea have reportedly "agreed to terms" with San Diego to sign the gold medal-winning centre-back. It's been a over a week of speculation over where one of the world's best defenders will end up, with the fee of $1.1m being the first time a player has ever been sold for $1m or more in women's football.

The Athletic was first to report Chelsea and San Diego's agreement.

Last week, Lyon, Arsenal, and Chelsea were all in the sphere of potential landing spots for Girma. However, ESPN reported that Chelsea were the favorites and while the deal is not yet finalised, reports suggest it's close.

Girma was selected by the San Diego Wave as the first pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. She has been with the Wave since, while also representing the USWNT and recently winning gold at the Paris Olympics.

The Wave have been in rebuild mode and also recently traded rising young star Jaedyn Shaw to the NC Courage.

Regarding on-the-pitch matters, Chelsea face Durham in the Women's League Cup quarter-final on January 22, with the WSL leaders aiming to add more silverware to their collection. As for San Diego Wave, they will be looking to improve on a 10th-placed finish in last season's NWSL, with the 2025 campaign set to get underway in March.