‘We’re really lucky’ – Lionesses star Millie Bright hails ‘unbelievable’ new Chelsea signing Naomi Girma after Blues secure USWNT star in world-record transfer

Chelsea signed Girma from NWSL side San Diego Wave on a four-and-half-year deal which will keep her with the west London outfit until the summer of 2029. The USWNT defender's move became the first transfer fee in women's football to breach the $1 million (£801k) mark as the deal is understood to have cost Chelsea around £900,000 ($1.1 million).

Girma is expected to slot in next to Chelsea captain Bright in Sonia Bompastor's defence with Kadeisha Buchanan out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The USWNT defender is also expected to be the Blues' preferred option to eventually take over as the 31-year-old captain's successor and Bright has now opened up on the transfer.

Speaking to the BBC, Bright said: "I can’t wait [to play with her]. She’s an unbelievable person and a fantastic player and I think we’re really lucky to have her. I think we're really grateful that she chose us.

"It also sends a real statement to the rest of the league and Europe about the direction we’re going in and the titles that we want to win. She’s going to be a fantastic addition. We can't wait to get started with her."

Girma could very well slot in Bomapastor's lineup when Chelsea get ready to take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, February 2 as they look to keep up their unbeaten start to the Women's Super League season.