Chelsea sign Ramírez for new women’s record fee in €450k deal،
Chelsea have announced the signing of Colombian striker Mayra Ramírez from Levante, with the Spanish club claiming she left the club for a world record fee in women's football.
Liga F side Levante said Chelsea had paid a fee of around €450,000 (£383,000) for Ramirez, with a potential further €50,000 (£42,000) in add-ons. Levante revealed that part of the additional fee depends on Ramirez only playing 30% of matches at his new club.
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The existing world record in women's football is believed to be the £350,000 Barcelona paid to sign England midfielder Keira Walsh. Sources have told ESPN that the fee Chelsea paid for Ramirez, without add-ons, set a new Women's Super League record.
Ramirez watched his new club play Real Madrid on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge and signed a four-and-a-half year contract. She will bring a versatile option to Chelsea's attacking threats, as she can play on both flanks and in the middle as a striker. His arrival will help fill the significant void left in the squad by Australian superstar Sam Kerr, who injured his ACL earlier in January.
“I am very honored to be part of Chelsea,” Ramirez said. “Being part of such a big club is a dream come true and I’ve been living it since I was little.”
“Mayra is a dynamic striker who can play anywhere across the front line,” said Chelsea chief executive Paul Green. “We have seen her develop in Spain over the last few years and we think her style will suit England.
“She has a great physique, athleticism and a good scoring record. We are all excited about what she can bring to the team now and in the long term.”
Chelsea are still competing in all four competitions in what will be Emma Hayes' final season in charge before joining the United States women's national team.
