One of the biggest transfer sagas has finally come to an end. Naomi Girma has officially signed for Chelsea from San Diego Wave in a historic $1 million deal. As ardent Blues fans and others around the world continue to celebrate this record-breaking move in the history of the women’s game, USWNT and now Chelsea teammate Catarina Macario has shared a heartfelt welcome message for Girma.

The former San Diego Wave defender finally arrived in London on Sunday, signing a contract with the WSL side until the summer of 2029. After the deal was closed, a picture of Girma donning the Blues’ training shirt was shared by the Chelsea Women on their official Instagram account in a collaboration post with the caption, “It’s official! ✍️ Naomi Girma now plays for Chelsea Football Club. 🔵”

While the comment section was filled with all the love and support for the 24-year-old, Catarina Macario made sure to go the extra mile. The star midfielder who’ll now be sharing the locker room with Girma not just at the international level but on the domestic front as well, reshared the post on her Instagram stories. Additionally, Macario wrote a heartwarming caption saying, “Winning on and off the field Babyyyyy 😍😍❤🤞🏽. Welcome sis.”

Evidently, Macario is thrilled to see one of her USWNT teammates join the WSL giants as they’ll be rallying for the prestigious trophies together for the foreseeable future. Of course, another player who won’t let Girma feel homesick would be forward Mia Fishel, who has yet to address the arrival of the former NWSL defender as Macario did. Then again, both Cat and Mia who have been a part of Chelsea since 2023 will be playing a crucial role in helping Naomi get familiar with her surroundings.

Girma’s signing couldn’t have come on a better day as the meantime saw Sonia Bompastor‘s side secure a narrow win over arch-rivals Arsenal. The victory helps them not only get a 9-point gap over Manchester City with a remarkable tally of 34 but also maintain their unbeaten streak. Certainly, Girma must be impressed with how things are going for her new team and would be looking to help them continue with similar success.

Per Chelsea’s announcement video, Naomi Girma will be taking the field with the number 16 on her back as the previous owner of this kit number Julia Bartel is currently enjoying her loan stint at Liverpool until the end of the season. But what if we were to tell you that fans may expect not just another new number but also a fourth USWNT reunion?

After Naomi Girma, another potential USWNT reunion at Chelsea?

In the past few days, the transfer spotlight has significantly shifted on Trinity Rodman as well. The Washington Spirit star has also been linked with a move to WSL, with Chelsea and Arsenal among the interested parties. This news allegedly comes from USWNT insider Tom Bogert, who suggested it’s a possibility, given that Rodman is in the final year of her contract with the Washington Spirit. Unsurprisingly, many revered clubs are closely monitoring her situation.

It’s no surprise that the English clubs are eager to potentially lure Dennis Rodman’s daughter from the NWSL, as they aim to strengthen their attacking options. In fact, these sides might even face competition from other teams within their league or neighboring European clubs. While this isn’t the first time Rodman has been rumored to leave the NWSL for the WSL, the appeal of a stellar USWNT reunion adds extra intrigue to the situation.

At Chelsea, Trinity will be making a quadruple American group with Naomi Girma, Mia Fishel, and Catarina Macario. But a potential move to Arsenal may see the 22-year-old forward join USWNT defender Emily Fox. Either way, it remains to be seen what happens at this stage.