Chelsea sign Mayra Ramirez in potential world-record deal
- Ramirez signs for Chelsea as club deal with serious Sam Kerr injury blow
- Colombian forward joins for British record fee that could eventually breaking world record
- Keira Walsh the most expensive women's transfer in history at £400,000
By Emily Keogh
Chelsea have completed the signing of Colombian forward Mayra Ramirez for a British record fee that will become a world record fee if add-ons are achieved.
The Blues have agreed to pay Levante €450,000 (£384,000) initially, with a further €50,000 (£42,600) potentially due in performance-related add-ons.
If the additional payments are triggered, Ramirez's move will surpass the £400,000 deal that took Keira Walsh to Barcelona from Manchester City in 2022. The 24-year-old is now the most expensive signing in WSL history, surpassing the £300,000 fee that City paid Wolfsburg to sign Jill Roord last year.
"I am very honoured to be a part of Chelsea,' Ramirez told the club's media channels after finalising her move. "To be part of such a huge club is a dream come true and one I’ve had since I was a little girl."
On what she wants to achieve in west London, Ramirez continued: "It’s always about the collective. 'I want to help the team win every competition we’re in this season. It’s about achieving the objectives of the club."
The Colombian has been drafted in by Emma Hayes, who will depart at the end of the season to take over as the United States Women's National Team head coach, to fill the void left by Sam Kerr's devastating ACL injury - the latest setback amid a spate of serious injuries to elite level players.
Speaking about her excitement of playing in England, Ramirez added: "It is one of the best leagues in the world. Spain is, of course, a good league too – and Barcelona play at the highest level. But I think the overall level of the Women's Super League is now the best.
"So I am very excited to discover what the league is like and enter a new environment here.
"The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was amazing – I am also really looking forward to playing at Kingsmeadow. I want to know what it's like and am just looking forward to playing now. I am desperate to be part of it and play here very soon with my teammates. I will always give 100% and always give my best for every team I play for.
"I feel I can bring strength, speed, and goals to the team. I am confident I can do well, help the team achieve what we want this season, and be one of the top teams – if not the best – in Europe."
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