LONDON — In a remarkable move, Chelsea has once again made headlines in the transfer market, acquiring England midfielder Keira Walsh from Barcelona for a staggering fee of approximately 400,000 pounds ($496,000) on Friday. This transfer comes just days after the club set a world record by signing defender Naomi Girma, emphasizing Chelsea’s ambition in women’s football.

Walsh’s previous tenure at Barcelona lasted two and a half years, during which she remarkably held the title of the world’s most expensive female player after her switch from Manchester City in 2022 for the same amount of £400,000 (which was equivalent to about $513,000 at that time). However, with Girma’s recent signing, which cost Chelsea an impressive 900,000 pounds ($1.1 million), Walsh’s record has been eclipsed.

At 27, Walsh is considered a highly skilled, ball-playing defensive midfielder and is now part of two of the largest transfer fees recorded in the history of women’s football. She has committed to Chelsea with a contract lasting 4 and a half years.

“It’s unbelievable,” she expressed, sharing her enthusiasm about joining the club. “I’m very happy to be here and very excited to get started. You look at the history of the trophies Chelsea have won and I’m an ambitious player and person, so for me it is a good fit.”

Currently, Chelsea is the reigning champion of the Women’s Super League and is well on track to secure the title for an impressive sixth consecutive season, maintaining a seven-point advantage in the standings. Nevertheless, the club has yet to taste victory in the Women’s Champions League—a title Walsh won twice alongside Spanish league championships during her time at Barcelona.

Overall, these high-profile transfers illustrate not only Chelsea’s commitment to strengthening their squad but also the increasing investment and interest within women’s football.