Less than a week after splashing out a world-record fee for Naomi Girma, Chelsea has spent big again to bring England midfielder Keira Walsh back to the English Women’s Super League.
Walsh left European champions Barcelona after more than two years to join Chelsea for a reported £400,000 (US$496,000) on Friday.
Walsh was the world’s most expensive player for two years after moving to Barcelona from Manchester City for a reported £400,000 in 2022.
Photo: EPA-EFE
That status now belongs to Girma, the US defender who cost Chelsea a reported £900,000 to sign from the San Diego Wave.
Still, it means 27-year-old Walsh — a technically gifted, ball-playing defensive midfielder — has commanded two of the biggest ever fees in the women’s game.
She has signed with Chelsea for four-and-a-half years.
“It’s unbelievable,” Walsh said. “I’m very happy to be here and very excited to get started. You look at the history of the trophies Chelsea have won and I’m an ambitious player and person, so for me it is a good fit.”
Chelsea are the reigning Super League champions and on course to clinch the title for a sixth straight season, with the team having a seven-point lead in the standings.
However, Chelsea have never won the Women’s UEFA Champions League.
Walsh won back-to-back Champions League and Spanish league titles with Barcelona.
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