Five Most Expensive Transfers in Women’s Football History

Women’s football is undergoing a dramatic financial transformation, with transfer records being shattered at a pace never seen before. Fees that once appeared unrealistic have quickly become the new normal as clubs in Europe and the United States invest heavily to secure elite players.

In just the past year, a series of blockbuster deals have pushed transfer values beyond the million-pound and million-dollar thresholds. Each new record has barely settled before being surpassed, reflecting the rapid growth and rising ambition within the women’s game.

From commanding defenders to explosive attackers, these landmark transfers highlight both the sport’s expanding commercial power and the players now defining its new era.

5. Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave → Chelsea)

The first major breakthrough came in January 2025 when Chelsea paid £883,000 ($1.1m) to sign United States defender Naomi Girma. The move made the 24-year-old the first million-dollar player in women’s football. Girma had already established herself as one of the world’s top centre-backs after three standout seasons with San Diego Wave and a gold-medal triumph with the US at the 2024 Olympic Games.

4. Olivia Smith (Liverpool → Arsenal)

Girma’s record lasted only six months. In July 2025, Arsenal rewrote the history books by spending £1m to sign Olivia Smith from Liverpool, making her the first £1m player in the women’s game. The Gunners were well aware of the 20-year-old’s quality after she inspired Liverpool to a shock FA Cup quarter-final victory earlier in the year.

3. Alyssa Thompson (Angel City → Chelsea)

Chelsea made headlines again on WSL deadline day in the summer of 2025 by securing Alyssa Thompson from Angel City. While reports differed on the exact fee, several leading outlets suggested the deal surpassed the amount paid for Girma and had the potential to set a new world record. Although it ultimately appeared to fall short of the fee for Lizbeth Ovalle, the transfer underlined Chelsea’s financial strength.

2. Lizbeth Ovalle (Tigres → Orlando Pride)

Olivia Smith’s record stood for just over a month. In August 2025, Orlando Pride raised the bar by paying $1.5m (£1.1m) for Mexican international Lizbeth Ovalle. Despite strong interest from European giants such as Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid, the 25-year-old opted for the NWSL, joining the reigning champions for what was then a world-record fee.

1. Grace Geyoro (PSG → London City Lionesses)

The ultimate benchmark was set on WSL deadline day when newly promoted London City Lionesses completed the most expensive transfer in women’s football history. Backed by billionaire owner Michele Kang, the club paid €1.65m (£1.43m/$1.93m) to sign PSG captain Grace Geyoro, sending a powerful statement ahead of their first season in the top flight.

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