Chelsea have completed the signing of US defender Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee of around £900,000.
The 24-year-old has joined Chelsea from San Diego Wave on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
Girma was part of the US side that won gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The fee exceeds the £685,000 Bay FC paid for Zambia's Racheal Kundananji last February, and makes Girma the first female $1million player in history.
Girma said: “I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real.
“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.
“Right now, that’s what I’m looking to do. It was an easy choice for me.”
Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green said: “Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.
“Her composure on the ball, ability to read the game coupled with her pace and athleticism will add top quality to an already very talented squad.
“Naomi has showcased her talent in the NWSL winning various individual awards and delivered on the international stage for the USA, including this summer winning a gold medal at the Olympics.
“She is undoubtedly ready for this next step in her career and we are delighted it will be with Chelsea.”
