Chelsea complete Alyssa Thompson deal! USWNT star joins WSL champions from Angel City star in club-record deal worth over £1m

The Women’s Super League champions had been working frantically to get the transfer wrapped up before Thursday's 11pm deadline and managed to do so, announcing the move after the window closed. Thompson, who was the first overall pick in the 2023 NWSL draft and the first high school player to ever be selected at No.1, has bagged six goals in 16 league appearances this year.

Though initially reported by the Athletic as a transfer worth less than the £1 million mark, both the Telegraph and the Guardian have since suggested otherwise, understanding the deal to be a club-record for Chelsea. That was last set in January, when the Blues made Girma, Thompson's international team-mate, the first million dollar player in the women's game. Both outlets say the fee could rise to become a world-record, beyond the $1.5m (£1.1m) the Orlando Pride paid for Lizbeth Ovalle last month.

She told the club's media: "Chelsea is such an amazing club, one of the best in the world. Being able to play with players that are the best in the world is an amazing opportunity at such a young age and I want to learn, grow and develop a lot. I feel like Chelsea is such an amazing environment to do that in."

Paul Green, head of women’s football at Chelsea added: "We’re delighted to bring Alyssa to the club. She’s a dynamic winger with electric pace, who can play on either wing and is very good in one-on-one situations. Alyssa is one of the best and most exciting young players in the world, and we’re looking forward to seeing how she develops further during her time with Chelsea."

Thompson's arrival comes at a good time for Chelsea, as they have been dealt some big injury blows in the forward line recently. England star Lauren James is struggling with an issue that will rule her out for a few weeks, while Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez has undergone hamstring surgery and will be sidelined for the rest of 2025.

Chelsea begin their WSL title defence on Friday night with a blockbuster clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Thompson, though, is unlikely to have been registered in time to make her debut.