It became monumental as Naomi Girma completed her highly anticipated move to Chelsea. The USWNT star officially joins the WSL side in a record-breaking $1 million deal, signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2029. But talk about the domino effect as Girma’s arrival seems to have influenced star player Millie Bright. She reconsiders her potential exit from the club and apparently “can’t wait” to start alongside her. Yes, that’s Girma for you, ladies and gentlemen!

Following a narrow win against Arsenal on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, the reporters asked the veteran defender to express her thoughts regarding her new teammate. Surely, Bright couldn’t have been more thankful to the former NWSL star for signing with the Blues. “We’re really lucky to have her,” began the 31-year-old while speaking with BBC Sport. “We feel really grateful that she chose us.”

Bright insists that with this record transfer, Chelsea has not only etched their name in the history books but also sent a crucial message worldwide: they aim to retain their dominance for the foreseeable future. “It sends out a statement to the rest of the league and Europe about the direction we are going in and the titles that we want to win.”

Notably, the Blues’ first signing of the January transfer window aimed at addressing the gap left by star defender Kadeisha Buchanan. She remains on the sidelines for the season because of a knee injury. But hearing Bright suggests the 24-year-old is more than just a replacement as the English center-back wants the new arrival to give her best. “She is going to be a fantastic addition and we can’t wait to get started with her,” concluded Millie.

One would assume that Sonia Bamposter and Co. made such an addition to bolster their ranks. Of course, this is one agenda that it will solve. But from the looks of it, the arrival of Naomi Girma also seems to solve a purpose far greater than one could think of; Bright’s future. To remind you, clubs circled around the $183K rated defender as her contract with the reigning WSL side ends this summer.

However, reports from BBC writer Emma Sanders suggest Chelsea is ready to offer a new contract to Millie Bright alongside defender Kadeisha Buchanan and midfielder Erin Cuthbert. Add these optimistic words of playing alongside Girma and you have the future sorted for the veteran. Speaking of which, Naomi Girma feels the same, too!

Naomi Girma echoes Millie Bright’s sentiment ahead of uncertain Chelsea debut!

It’s not just Millie Bright who is keen to pair up with Girma at the backline; even the former San Diego Wave star also looks forward to collaborating with the skipper. “I’m really excited to play alongside Millie (Bright),” told Naomi Girma while speaking to BBC Sport.

Furthermore, the 2024 gold Olympic winner also expressed excitement about meeting her new teammates. “There are so many players in this team that have so much experience, a lot of young players who have been amazing as well, so [I am] just really excited to be in with the group.”

Unfortunately, along with her ardent supporters, Naomi Girma may have to wait for her debut as Sonia Bompastor confirmed the star defender arrived in London from the U.S. with a “minor injury.” This was also why she missed the U.S. women’s national team’s January training camp, as it was announced that she had suffered a slight calf injury during the off-season.

As a result, she will be unfit and unprepared for Chelsea’s upcoming match against Aston Villa on February 2. While it remains to be seen when Naomi Girma makes her debut, the good thing is that one can expect a lot in store from Chelsea in the coming days!