How Chloe Kelly and Naomi Girma’s transfers will impact the WSL

Naomi Girma. Photo: Chelsea FC Women

This transfer window has been one of the biggest ones yet! But two transfers that really stuck out to me were Naomi Girma to Chelsea and Chloe Kelly to Arsenal! 

Naomi Girma, a standout for the US Women’s national team, has made history with her record breaking transfer to Chelsea. Previously of San Diego Wave, the 24 year old centre-back is bound to make her mark on the WSL.

During her time at San Diego from 2022-2024, she made 64 appearances and became one of the league's best defenders. She has represented the USA since the Under 17s level and was nominated for NWSL defender of the year in 2024.

The young star is bound to make Chelsea’s strong defence even stronger and will make them the team to beat once again next season.

Girma’s transfer to Chelsea set a new world record for women’s football, with the fee reported to be 1.1 million dollars. At the age of 24 this is an incredible achievement. 

Meanwhile, Chloe Kelly’s loan move to Arsenal came as a shock to many.  Rumours only started circulating in the final hours of the window, with initial reports suggesting she was headed to Manchester City’s rivals, Manchester United. 

Kelly's return to Arsenal is a full circle moment in her career. She made her professional debut for the club on the 23rd of July 2015 at the age of 17 after being part of their academy since the age of 12.

22 minutes into the game she scored her first goal for the club, foreshadowing the incredible career she was going to have. Kelly signed her first professional contract in February 2016 before departing Arsenal on loan to Everton to further develop her skills and gain more playing time.

Now after years of success for Manchester City, as well as becoming a star player for England, she is back at Arsenal ready to make an impact once again. Kelly could become a huge part of Arsenal during the second half of the season. The team, who currently sit in 3rd place on the table, will need Kelly’s skillful feet down the wing to help boost them back into second place.

Kelly posted on her Instagram story after the news saying ‘your roots always pull you back’ this shows just how excited she is to be back at the club and get going once again!