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Article continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script>Article continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>San Diego, Chelsea FC reportedly finalizing record transfer</li><li>Girma considered among best defenders in the world</li><li>Has been with San Diego since 2022</li></ul>

Report: San Diego Wave and Chelsea are finalizing record $1.1M transfer for USWNT center back Naomi Girma

Naomi Girma could be heading to Stamford Bridge, as the San Diego Wave and Chelsea FC have reportedly agreed to a women's soccer transfer record fee of $1.1 million for the USWNT star.Chelsea have reportedly "agreed to terms" with San Diego to sign the gold-medal winning center back. It's been a week-plus of speculation over where one of the world's best defenders will land. The fee of $1.1 million for Girma would be the first time a player has ever been sold for $1 million or more in women's soccer.The Athletic was first to report <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6066148/2025/01/21/naomi-girma-chelsea-transfer-record-san-diego-wave/" target="_self">Chelsea and San Diego's agreement.</a>

WHAT HAPPENED

Last week, Lyon, Arsenal, and Chelsea were all in the sphere of potential landing spots for Girma, however, ESPN reported that <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43436003/chelsea-lead-arsenal-lyon-race-sign-naomi-girma-sources" target="_self">Chelsea were the favorites</a>. While the deal is not finalized, 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 BIGGER PICTURE 

The Wave have been in a rebuild and also recently traded rising <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-sa/lists/uswnt-jaedyn-shaw-trade-san-diego-wave-north-carolina-courage-nwsl/blt49a5664751e18224" target="_self">young star Jaedyn Shaw to the NC Courage.</a>

DID YOU KNOW 

Chelsea and the Wave are now finalizing terms, with the aim of securing the record transfer.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR GIRMA?

Report: San Diego Wave and Chelsea are finalizing record $1.1M transfer for USWNT center back Naomi Girma | Goal.com US

Chelsea have reportedly agreed to terms with San Diego Wave to sign USWNT star Naomi Girma in a record transfer