Chelsea Football Club has reached an agreement to secure U.S. defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave, as confirmed by an insider familiar with the transfer. The individual opted to remain anonymous as the transfer details had not yet been publicly disclosed.

Reports indicate that the transfer fee is set at $1.1 million, making it the highest amount ever paid for a transfer in women’s soccer history, as noted by The Athletic.

Girma, 24, was originally contracted with the Wave until 2026. She attracted interest from notable clubs, including French giants Olympique Lyonnais and Arsenal from the Women’s Super League.

She made her debut for the U.S. national team in 2022, since then featuring in 44 international matches and contributing to the team’s success at the Paris Olympics, where they clinched the gold medal.

Emma Hayes, current U.S. national team coach and former Chelsea manager, praised Girma’s skills, stating, “She is the best defender I’ve ever seen.” While reflecting on her abilities, Hayes noted Girma’s poise, composure, and leadership qualities, making comparisons to top defenders she coached during her tenure at Chelsea, including Millie Bright and Magdalena Eriksson.

Girma was honored as the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2023 and had previously won the federation’s Young Player of the Year accolade in 2020.

While at Stanford, Girma captained her team to victory in the 2019 national championship. She was selected as the first overall pick in the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League draft by the Wave, earning accolades as both the Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year during her inaugural season.