Chelsea Shatters Club Record to Land US Star Alyssa Thompson in Landmark Deal
September 4, 2025
Chelsea have agreed a club record deal worth just under £1m to sign Alyssa Thompson from Angel City. The 20-year-old forward has completed a medical and is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Blues. The United States international is one of the most exciting talents in the world and the deal will surpass Chelsea’s previous transfer record. Thompson arrives to strengthen a Chelsea attack which has lost striker Mayra Ramirez to a significant hamstring injury – ruling out the Colombia international until January – and England forward Lauren James, who misses the season opener against Manchester City.
Chelsea Women have made a seismic splash in the transfer market, securing the signature of American sensation Alyssa Thompson from Angel City in a deal that redefines the club's financial commitment to women's football. The transfer fee, nearing the £1 million mark, not only establishes a new club record but also underscores Chelsea's ambition to dominate both domestically and on the European stage. This move signals a bold statement of intent from the Blues, who are determined to bolster their squad with world-class talent.
Thompson, a dynamic and electrifying forward at just 20 years old, has already completed her medical assessments and is poised to ink a lucrative five-year contract with the London-based club. Her arrival is highly anticipated, as she is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in the global game. Thompson's pace, skill, and eye for goal are expected to add a new dimension to Chelsea's attacking prowess, providing a significant boost to their chances of silverware.
While Thompson's transfer shatters Chelsea's previous record – set by the acquisition of fellow American defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave earlier this year – it falls just shy of the Women's Super League (WSL) benchmark. That distinction remains with Arsenal's capture of Canadian forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool for a cool £1 million in July. However, the significance of Thompson's move cannot be overstated, as it highlights the escalating investment in women's football and the growing competition for top players.
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Alyssa Thompson has scored three goals in 22 USA appearances
The global transfer record was recently reset by Mexico forward Lizbeth Ovalle's £1.1m ($1.5m) move from Tigres to Orlando Pride.
Thompson's arrival comes at a crucial time for Chelsea, who are grappling with injury concerns in their attacking ranks. Star striker Mayra Ramirez is sidelined with a significant hamstring injury, ruling her out of contention until January. Furthermore, England international Lauren James is set to miss the season opener against Manchester City, leaving a void in Chelsea's forward line. Thompson's versatility and goal-scoring ability will provide manager Emma Hayes with much-needed options as they navigate a challenging start to the campaign.
Chelsea are set to host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. The addition of Thompson will boost home supporters.
The acquisition of Alyssa Thompson underscores Chelsea's unwavering commitment to building a squad capable of competing for major honors. With a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the Blues are poised to make a significant impact on the women's football landscape. As the WSL continues to grow in stature and popularity, Chelsea's investment in players like Thompson is a clear indication of their ambition to remain at the forefront of the game.
This landmark transfer not only benefits Chelsea but also serves as a catalyst for the continued growth and development of women's football as a whole. By attracting top international talent, the WSL is solidifying its position as one of the premier leagues in the world, attracting greater attention from fans, sponsors, and media alike.
