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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Defender has shattered transfer record</li><li>Looking forward to WSL challenge</li><li>Nursing a knock at present</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

When will record-breaking USWNT star Naomi Girma make Chelsea debut? Update on first $1 million star as American arrives in England nursing injury

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Chelsea FC Women

<p>United States international Girma has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/chelsea-naomi-girma-s-world-record-transfer-san-diego-wave-signs-long-term-contract-wsl-giants/blta09ac21d08827f05#cs090d3b57eb467f99" target="_blank">rewritten the history books and smashed transfer records</a> in securing a transfer from the San Diego Wave to WSL title holders Chelsea. She has been billed as the best defender in world football by international coach, and ex-Blues boss, Emma Hayes.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Girma is eager to get going, while Chelsea are understandably keen to get a big-money asset on the pitch, but the 24-year-old has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/naomi-girma-withdraws-uswnt-training-camp-calf-issue-transfer-rumors/blt5719da012cf8701e" target="_blank">arrived in England nursing a knock</a>. As a result, no unnecessary risks will be taken on her fitness.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has told <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp8qmeleld4o " target="_blank"><em>BBC Sport</em></a> when asked when Girma could make her competitive bow: “We don't exactly know yet just because she was in the off-season in the US and has a big nodule in her calf. We'll be working with her and making sure she will be fit to play with us when she can.”</p>

WHAT SONIA BOMPASTOR SAID

<p>California native Girma has said of taking on a new challenge outside of her homeland: “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.”</p><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's official. ✍️<br><br>Naomi Girma plays for Chelsea Football Club. 🔵 <a href="https://t.co/hb7OMyhE06">pic.twitter.com/hb7OMyhE06</a></p>— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCW/status/1883489959191175446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The transfer record that Girma has broken was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/world-record-fee-racheal-kundananji-nwsl-bay-fc-acquire-madrid-cff-zambian-superstar-blockbuster-transfer/bltbf9695dfd8505994" target="_blank">previously held by Racheal Kundananji</a>, following her £685,000 move to Bay FC in February 2024. The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-chelsea-break-the-bank-blues-announce-signing-of-mayra-ramirez-from-levante-for-world-record-fee/bltbecf665164374b95" target="_blank">highest fee paid by a British club was £384,000 for Mayra Ramirez</a>, with Chelsea also sanctioning that deal 12 months ago.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

When will record-breaking USWNT star Naomi Girma make Chelsea debut? Update on first $1 million star as American arrives in England nursing injury | Goal.com

Naomi Girma has become the first $1 million (£800,000) player in women’s football, but an injury could delay the USWNT star’s debut for Chelsea.

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