Chelsea and Lyon fight for US National Team star defender
Naomi Girma is reportedly being eyed by Chelsea and Lyon.
Naomi Girma had an exceptional year at the club level, which she complemented brilliantly with her contributions to the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. She played a pivotal role under Emma Hayes, helping the team secure the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Girma’s defensive interventions were crucial in the USWNT’s journey to the final in Paris and their ultimate victory. Her outstanding performances earned high praise from coach Emma Hayes, who called her the best defender she had ever seen: “I’ve never seen a player as good as her in defense. She has everything—poise, composure, anticipation, leadership. She’s unbelievable.”
Lyon, Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to sign Girma
In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Naomi Girma was nominated for the FIFA Women’s Best XI in 2024 and successfully secured a spot in the lineup. She was also acknowledged as one of the best defenders in the world. Demonstrating her versatility, Girma showcased her goal-scoring abilities by netting a brace in a friendly match against Argentina.
These accomplishments have attracted significant attention from top clubs in Europe. According to various reports, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Lyon are among the leading contenders interested in acquiring Girma’s services. Chelsea and Lyon, both powerhouses in international women’s soccer, are consistently in contention for the Champions League title.
Notably, Emma Hayes, now the head coach of the USWNT, previously guided Chelsea to the brink of European glory on several occasions, making a potential move an exciting opportunity for Girma.
Unfortunately, Naomi, who was named to Hayes’s January camp roster—the first call-up of the year—will be unable to attend due to a muscle injury. This reduces the 26-player roster to 25, marking a challenging start to the year for the talented defender.
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