Report: Chelsea nearing record-breaking transfer for Naomi Girma

A huge barrier in women’s soccer is on the verge of being broken.

Chelsea FC Women have reportedly agreed to a world-record $1.1 million transfer with the San Diego Wave for defender Naomi Girma, according to ESPN.

This would make the 24-year-old the first player in the women’s game with a transfer fee that surpasses $1 million.

Girma played every minute for the U.S. national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics on the team’s path to winning gold, garnering interest from many European organizations after her impressive performance.

The centre-back joined the Wave as the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NWSL draft and was named the league’s rookie of the year and defender of the year in her debut season.

Girma won the defender of the year award again the following season and played an integral role in the Wave’s NWSL championship run in 2023.

More from Sportsnet

Denver lands NWSL team for record $110M expansion fee, Sportico reports

Vancouver Rise add NWSL midfielder Nikki Stanton to inaugural roster