It’s official—Naomi Girma has successfully completed her record-breaking $1 million transfer from San Diego Wave to Chelsea. After much speculation and anticipation, the USWNT defender has finally sealed the move. She will don the Blue jersey until the summer of 2029. While all eyes are on Girma to make her debut, there’s a hiccup before her much-awaited debut!

Notably, Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor shared this unexpected delay in the 24-year-old’s much-awaited debut. She mentioned it following the Blues’ narrow win over arch-rivals Arsenal in the WSL yesterday. As compiled by BBC, while addressing the star defender’s arrival, the French tactician admitted fans may have to wait longer to watch Girma in action.

That’s because Naomi arrived in London from the States with a “small injury.” This makes her unfit and unprepared for the next trip to Aston Villa on February 2. To remind you, this became the reason she missed out on the U.S. women’s national team’s January training camp. Both US Soccer and San Diego Wave stated Girma had sustained an unfortunate minor calf injury in the off-season.

The camp kicked off in Fort Lauderdale on January 17 and wrapped up on Thursday. While it’s unfortunate for Girma to miss out, this first USWNT camp of 2025 is primarily an annual gathering for the squad. There are no major friendlies or tournaments scheduled.

Fortunately, the four-time World Champions will begin their competitive year next month, in the SheBelieves Cup. They’ll face Colombia, Australia, and Japan in the group stages. This provides Girma with some much-needed time to recover from her injury and maybe return to her international duty.

Then again, it doesn’t sound great for the domestic front, as hearing such an update would have been the last thing that ardent Chelsea fans possibly wanted to hear. Ironically, the Blues’ first signing of the January transfer window was made to mend the loss of their star defender Kadeisha Buchanan. She suffered a season-ending knee injury.

But from the looks of it, Girma still needs time before she finally steps on the pitch while donning her new blue jersey. Perhaps the supporters remain on cloud nine following the optimistic words from the new signing. It seems she’s determined to fulfill their ambitions.

Naomi Girma is ready to ‘learn and grow’ at Chelsea

Better known as “The best defender” Emma Hayes has ever seen, the former NWSL star looks determined to achieve the most she can with her new club. “I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real,” said Girma while speaking to the club’s website, who was presented in front of the fans at Stamford Bridge just before the team took over Arsenal.

“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here – the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It’s a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that’s what I’m looking to do,” added Girma, highlighting her ambitions and what she hopes to achieve from day one with her new team.

Notably, Naomi Girma will wear the No. 16 jersey at Chelsea. Its previous holder, Julia Bartel, is currently on loan at Liverpool until the end of the season. In the meantime, Naomi would look to recuperate from her small injury and make her debut as soon as possible.