ALABAMA - In a historic day for women's soccer, Chelsea completed on Friday the signing of Colombian star Mayra Ramírez from Levante on a four-and-a-half year deal.
The amount paid for Ramírez is unprecedented: it is both a British and world record fee of €450,000 with a potential €50,000 in ad-ons. According to Levante, some of the ad-ons are reliant on Ramírez playing just 30% of matches at Chelsea.
This powerful move from Chelsea comes after Sam Kerr's long-term ACL injury that sidelined her last month. In efforts to continue their push for a 'quadruple' this season, the team has made the commanding decision of making Ramírez the most expensive signing in women's soccer history, surpassing the €350,000 paid by Barcelona for Kiera Walsh of Manchester City.
The rumours are true, Mayra Ramirez is a Blue! 😎#HolaMayra pic.twitter.com/nonZu0Vuzn
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 26, 2024
The Colombian striker seems to have made the right move at the right time. Taking advantage of Kerr's injury, she will have plenty of gametime to settle down in a new league. Replacing one of the best players in women's soccer will not be easy, as Kerr finished 2023 as a runner-up the Women's Ballon d'Or, also having finished third the previous two years.
Before the move, she was having a fantastic season with Levante in Liga F. Ramírez scored six goals in seven league games this season after scoring 14 in her first campaign with the Valencian outfit.
"We have watched her develop in Spain over the last few years and believe her style is going to suit playing in England," said Chelsea's general manager Paul Green.
She spent four seasons playing in Spain's top flight and quickly became one of the most versatile forwards in the league. In just two seasons with Levante, the Colombian was able to find the back of the net 19 times in just 40 games played for the 'azulgrana' and helped them to a momentary 2nd-place in LaLiga F this season, only nine points away from powerhouse Barcelona.
Mayra Ramírez arrives to a club that aspires to win every title at stake. Winners of each of the last four Women's Super League seasons, Chelsea are looking to make it five in a row as they sit at the top of the WSL table after 11 matches played. Emma Hayes' team has also been a juggernaut in the FA Cup, winning three in a row.
As Chelsea coach Emma Hayes prepares to leave for the USWNT job by the end of the season, the 'Blues' will try to go all-in in the four competitions. Just this week, Chelsea secured a spot in the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarterfinals for the third time in the last four seasons.
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