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You’re an All-Star. Go get paid! Emily Olsen here with Meg Linehan and Jeff Rueter — welcome to Full Time!
Breaking the Bank: A Historic Transfer
chelsea Secures USWNT Star Naomi Girma
Naomi Girma, the U.S. women’s national team’s defensive powerhouse, has long been recognized as an irreplaceable asset. Her leadership at San Diego Wave FC and her contributions to the national team have solidified her status as one of the best in the game. With an NCAA championship, an NWSL shield, two Defender of the Year awards, and an Olympic gold medal to her name, Girma’s resume speaks for itself [[1]].
Emma Hayes, head coach of the USWNT, has hailed Girma as the “finest defender” she’s ever witnessed. Now, Chelsea Women are making a groundbreaking move to secure her talents, offering a staggering $1.1 million transfer fee. While the Women’s Super League giants have reached an agreement with San Diego,Girma’s new contract with Chelsea is still in the works [[2]].
this deal shatters the previous transfer record set by Chelsea in 2024 when they acquired Colombian forward Mayra Ramirez for over $500,000. That record was short-lived, as Bay FC later signed Racheal Kundananji for $862,000. Girma’s transfer not only sets a new benchmark but also underscores her immense value in the sport [[3]].
Before her Olympic triumph, Girma was the top pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, earning rookie of the Year and her first Defender of the Year honors in her debut season. her impact on the field has made her a sought-after player, with Lyon also vying for her signature with a $1 million offer.
The Anatomy of a Million-Dollar Defender
While strikers are judged by their goal tally and midfielders by their assists, evaluating a defender’s worth is far more complex. Advanced metrics like expected goals and assists have revolutionized player analysis, but quantifying a defender’s impact remains challenging.
Girma’s performance during the World Cup and the 2024 season, despite San Diego Wave’s struggles, highlighted her remarkable skills. Traditional stats such as tackles and interceptions often reflect a team’s defensive pressure,but Girma’s ability to consistently outshine her peers is undeniable.
- Her tackle success rate is remarkably high.
- She excels in using precise toe pokes to disrupt opponents.
- With a 90.3% passing accuracy,her ability to deliver accurate line-breaking passes sets her apart.
Combined with her leadership qualities and approachable demeanor,Girma is the ideal choice for any top-tier club aiming to bolster their defense.
Insider’s Perspective: Meg’s Take
Girma’s Record Fee: A Long Time Coming
The $1 million threshold in women’s football transfers was bound to be crossed, and Naomi Girma is the perfect player to do it. Following in the footsteps of legendary defenders like Carla overbeck and Becky Sauerbrunn, Girma is not only continuing their legacy but also redefining the role of a modern defender. Her influence on the game is undeniable, and her record-breaking transfer is a testament to her exceptional talent and impact on the field.
let’s take a moment to put the $1.1 million transfer fee into perspective within the broader landscape of global soccer.Although FIFA hasn’t released its 2024 report yet,we can refer to the mid-year data from the 2023 summer transfer window for insights.
- Men’s professional soccer saw a staggering $6.4 billion spent on transfer fees.
- International transfers in women’s soccer totaled $6.8 million—a critically important leap, more than double the previous mid-year window. Progress is undeniable!
Girma’s transfer fee from Chelsea alone would have accounted for roughly 16% of the total spent in the women’s game during that period. This milestone sets a new benchmark, signaling potential exponential growth in international transfers moving forward.
NWSL teams have been at the forefront of this evolving market. From Bay FC’s acquisition of Kundananji to Orlando Pride securing NWSL Championship MVP Barbra banda, the league is making waves.It’s also noteworthy that European clubs were willing to invest heavily in an American star, further elevating the NWSL’s global standing.
🎧 Tune in to the latest episode of the “Full Time” podcast, where new Canada women’s coach Casey Stoney outlines her vision for the team.
EM Dash, Geoff Burke / Imagn Images
Key Highlights
Standout Transfers
This NWSL offseason ushers in a transformative era.
As of last Wednesday, teams are now prohibited from trading players without their consent, a change implemented under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated and ratified by the league, players, and clubs last year. The days of trade windows, rookie drafts, and restricted free agency are over. Deals can now occur at any time until the roster freeze deadline in October.
Emerging U.S.talent Jaedyn Shaw capitalized on this new rule, finalizing her move from the Wave to the North Carolina Courage last week. Shaw had expressed her desire to join north Carolina over a year ago, making this transfer a long-awaited milestone.
these rule changes have sparked an exceptionally active offseason, prompting another edition of Jeff Rueter’s “Moves I Like”:
- Shaw to Courage: Shaw envisions a pivotal role in Sean Nahas’ squad.Teaming up with Ashley sanchez, the duo could form a dynamic creative force, each capable of delivering impactful performances. Her arrival is timely, filling the void left by former league MVP Kerolin’s departure in free agency.
- Yazmeen Ryan to Houston Dash: Ryan’s versatility and consistency are rare assets, and her fresh contract is a positive step in the Dash’s much-needed rebuild. Houston’s addition of Delanie Sheehan from free agency further accelerates Ryan’s integration, given their prior chemistry at Gotham.
- Honorable Mention: Angel City secured a one-year contract extension for two-time World Cup champion Christen Press. The 36-year-old, who was Angel city’s inaugural signing in 2021, continues to be a cornerstone of the team. The club also recently appointed former NWSL head coach Mark Parsons as its general manager.
naeher’s Continued Legacy
Alyssa Naeher’s achievements continue to be celebrated, even after her retirement from international soccer in November.
On Saturday, U.S.Soccer honored the former women’s national team goalkeeper as its Female Player of the Year.
As we step into 2024, it’s impossible to overlook the remarkable achievements of one of soccer’s most celebrated athletes. Her year has been nothing short of remarkable,marked by a series of historic accomplishments:
- Securing an olympic gold medal
- Becoming the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup champion,including a pivotal penalty save and conversion
- Lifting the SheBelieves Cup trophy
- earning the prestigious title of The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
At 36,she continues to dominate the sport,with her latest recognition coming from a diverse panel of voters,including national team coaches,players,U.S. Soccer board members, the U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council, NWSL head coaches, fans, and select media representatives.
Spotlight on Soccer’s Latest developments
Farewell to a Legend: Jen Beattie, the former Arsenal and Bay FC defender, has announced her retirement at 33. In her heartfelt reflection, Beattie highlighted key moments of her career, such as her World cup goal at Parc des Princes, her courageous public battle with cancer in 2020, and the profound influence of her father’s legacy on her journey.
Manchester Mayhem: The Manchester derby in the WSL lived up to its reputation for drama and intensity. United’s 4-2 triumph over City propelled them to third place in the league standings. The rivalry continues as the two teams face off again in the Women’s League Cup, with speculation swirling around Chloe Kelly’s potential loan move from City to United.
Steady Leadership: Arsenal has chosen stability in a time of transition by appointing Renee Slegers as head coach thru the 2025-26 season. Slegers, 35, took on the interim role in October after Jonas Eidevall’s departure. Her decisive approach and tactical acumen have solidified her as the ideal candidate for the position, as detailed by The Athletic’s Art de Roche.
Protecting Talent: liverpool’s rising star, Olivia Smith, has become a target for defenders who resort to fouls to halt her progress. Concerned for her safety, head coach Matt Beard has urged the Professional Game Match Officials Limited to take action and safeguard the 20-year-old Canadian international from potential serious injury.
📫 Enjoying these updates? dive deeper into women’s sports on Yahoo’s dedicated hub, in collaboration with The Athletic. don’t forget to explore The Athletic’s other insightful newsletters for more in-depth coverage.
(Top photo: Yukihito Taguchi / Imagn Images)
Naomi Girma’s impact on women’s soccer is both monumental and multifaceted. Her leadership at San Diego wave FC and her contributions to the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) have cemented her as one of the finest defenders in the game. With a stellar resume that includes an NCAA championship, an NWSL Shield, two Defender of the Year awards, and an Olympic gold medal, girma’s excellence on the field is undeniable [1].
Girma’s Recognition and Record-Breaking transfer
Emma Hayes, head coach of the USWNT, has lauded Girma as the “finest defender” she’s ever witnessed. This high praise has translated into tangible opportunities, with chelsea Women making a groundbreaking move to secure her talents. The club has offered a staggering $1.1 million transfer fee, shattering the previous women’s soccer transfer record. This deal not only underscores Girma’s immense value but also signals a new era in the valuation of women’s soccer talent [2].
Contextualizing the Transfer Fee
To put Girma’s transfer fee into perspective:
In men’s soccer, $6.4 billion was spent on transfers during the 2023 summer window.
In women’s soccer, international transfers totaled $6.8 million during the same period.
Girma’s transfer alone accounts for roughly 16% of the total spent in women’s soccer during that window,highlighting its historic meaning and the growing investment in the women’s game [3].
Girma’s rise to Stardom
Before her Olympic triumph, Girma was the top pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, earning Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year honors in her debut season. Her exceptional performance during the 2024 World cup and NWSL season further solidified her reputation as a defensive powerhouse. Despite San Diego Wave FC’s challenges, Girma’s ability to consistently excel through metrics like tackle success rate, toe pokes, and 90.3% passing accuracy showcases her unparalleled skill set.
The Evolution of NWSL Transfers
Girma’s transfer is part of a broader shift in the NWSL’s transfer landscape. The league is now enabling more flexible trades under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), allowing deals to occur at any time until the roster freeze deadline. This change has sparked an active offseason, with notable transfers like jaedyn Shaw moving to the North Carolina Courage and Yazmeen Ryan joining the Houston dash. These moves reflect a growing emphasis on player agency and strategy in building competitive teams.
Alyssa Naeher’s Enduring Legacy
while Girma’s rise continues, Alyssa Naeher’s legacy remains celebrated. Recently retired from international soccer, Naeher was honored by U.S. Soccer for her contributions to the sport. Her achievements, alongside those of rising stars like Girma, highlight the depth and evolution of talent in women’s soccer.
Conclusion
Naomi Girma’s record-breaking transfer is a watershed moment for women’s soccer, reflecting both her individual brilliance and the sport’s growing prominence. as clubs like Chelsea invest heavily in elite talent, the landscape of women’s soccer continues to evolve, setting new benchmarks and inspiring the next generation of players. Girma’s journey is not just a testament to her skill but also a symbol of the transformative potential of the women’s game.
