The reports were fast and furious. Early last week, multiple outlets reported that Chelsea had agreed to terms on San Diego Wave center back Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee of $1.1 million. That number would make her the first women’s player to break the $1 million mark.
“If the rumors are true… of course the most humble player on the planet is going for a world record fee,” Stoney wrote on social media. “Hopefully now Naomi Girma will realize how good she is.”
On Sunday, the Women’s Super League champions confirmed the arrival of Girma.
On top of the massive transfer fee, what makes Girma’s move so historic is her position: defender. Girma’s talents are undeniable – U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes called her “the best defender I’ve ever seen” during the Olympics – but it’s rare for a defender to dominate the transfer fee conversation.