Looks like there’s finally some major development in Naomi Girma‘s domestic future. The star USWNT defender has been the subject of transfer speculation over the past few weeks, constantly being linked to leave the San Diego Wave and live the European dream. However, now it seems Girma is closer than ever to signing for none other than Emma Hayes‘ former side Chelsea Women in a record million-dollar deal.

The WSL side reportedly seems to have won the tug-of-war to sign the highly-rated center-back, out-muscling other renowned clubs both in terms of finances and convincing. On January 21, ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf took to X to share how journalist Meg Linehan and several other sources reported that Girma’s move from San Diego to London will set a record transfer fee in the history of the women’s game.

The deal which is apparently valued at more than $1 million is expected to surpass Racheal Kundananji’s $862,000 transfer from Madrid CFF to the NWSL’s Bay FC. Then again, the deal is yet to be finalized, with The Athletic suggesting that the paperwork for this historic transfer is in the negotiation phase. But it’s just a matter of time until the 24-year-old wears that blue jersey and moves away from her nation’s top domestic tournament.

Even though Girma had a contract with the San Diego Wave until 2026, her move away from Snapdragon Stadium was pretty much a writing on the wall. Throughout the years, the gold medalist in the 2024 Paris Olympics didn’t fail to make an impression among revered clubs, who rightfully battled for her signature.

To remind you, even French giants Lyon were also reportedly keen to offer a whopping $1 million for Naomi, with Chelsea’s fellow WSL rivals Arsenal also expressing their interest. However, it seems to be Emma Hayes’ former side whose unparalleled efforts to win the confidence of Girma have successfully paid off. Not to mention that her signature is indeed a big win for Chelsea, who are bound to get the best from their new player.

The new Naomi Girma and Chelsea partnership might just be the next best thing!

2x NSWL defender of the year, winning the 2023 NWSL Shield or even being known as “the best defender” in Emma Hayes’ eyes, Naomi Girma is a proper steal for Chelsea Women. The WSL side will be successfully bolstering their defensive options with this signing, let alone the fact that the USWNT star serves as an indirect replacement for the club’s current sidelined key center back Kadeisha Buchanan.

The Canadian international unfortunately picked up an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury back in November. Surely, Naomi’s arrival will make it easy for Sonia Bompastor and Co. to settle their backline for the time being. The center-back who joined Waves during the 2022 NWSL draft from Stanford will also be looking to finally savor the taste of playing in the prestigious European tournaments and potentially even win them.

On the contrary, it is a huge loss not just for San Diego Waves but even for NWSL. For someone like Girma who was on an upward trajectory, losing her at this stage will surely affect the team and even the league. Even though the Waves are sort of gaining their footing, be it by making transfer additions including the welcoming of ex-Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall, Naomi’s eagerness to see the exit door is not a surprise.

She had allegedly requested a move last season, just like star midfielder Jaedyn Shaw, who successfully completed her North Carolina Courage switch. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how things unfold for Naomi Girma at Chelsea.