US Women’s National Team (USWNT) defender Naomi Girma has become women’s soccer’s first ever million-dollar player, joining English champion Chelsea from San Diego Wave FC.

Such platitudes are expected from any new player, but there was a kernel of truth within it. Chelsea have positioned themselves as being the best team in England’s thriving market by bringing in talented personalities on and off the pitch. That, in turn, encourages others to join.

Women’s soccer has its first million-dollar player after United States defender Naomi Girma moved from San Diego Wave to Chelsea on Sunday. Chelsea announced the signing of Girma without disclosing the fee but The Athletic and the BBC were among those reporting the English champions have spent 900,