Naomi Girma: Chelsea or Lyon - where will USA superstar play?
2025-01-20
Category: sports

USA defender Naomi Girma is widely considered one of the best footballers in the world - and she is in demand. With 44 international caps already to her name, the 24-year-old has established herself on the global stage.San Diego Wave - now managed by former Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall - have their work cut out to keep hold of Girma, with Europe's biggest clubs circling. The National Women's Soccer League side have already exercised a year option in her contract, tying her down until 2026.But reports suggest clubs are preparing to pay $1m (Â£814,000) to get Girma out of that deal - so where could she be playing her football this year?
What are Chelsea and Lyon offering?
With 10 days remaining in the Women's Super League transfer window all eyes are on Chelsea, who have expressed interest in Girma.The defending WSL champions have been in a tussle with French giants Lyon for her signature this month.The Athletic reported, external that Lyon had made a women's world record $1m offer to San Diego Wave.It is also believed Lyon's majority owner Michele Kang is prepared to pay unmatched wages.But Chelsea are also said to be prepared to do all it takes to sign Girma, who is a priority target for them in the January window.With centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor wants a replacement. Former Blues manager Emma Hayes - now Girma's head coach with the United States - can offer useful insight on her old club, while USA stars Mia Fishel and Catarina Macario have recently made the move to London.Champions League football is an obvious attraction for Girma and both Chelsea and Lyon regularly challenge for the trophy. However, Chelsea believe they can offer competitive football in the WSL and a chance to win multiple trophies, as well as offering substantial wages. 
Why is Girma in such demand?
Girma's talents have been evident for a few years, with San Diego Wave selecting the defender as the first pick of the 2022 NWSL Draft.At the end of the season, she was named the NWSL's defender of the year and rookie of the year.The following year she signed a new three-year deal, helped San Diego Wave win the NWSL Shield under ex-Manchester United manager Casey Stoney and was named the league's best defender for a second successive year.Girma has also played a key role for the USA, and was one of the standout performers as they fell to an early exit in the last 16 of the 2023 Women's World Cup.She was named US Soccer's female player of the year and backed it up by playing every minute of their run to Olympic gold in 2024. 