Since signing for Barcelona ahead of the 2022/23 season, Keira Walsh has been recognised as the world’s most expensive female footballer – with the Blaugrana reportedly paying €470,000 to pry her away from Manchester City.
But as Chelsea announce the signing of Colombia’s Mayra Ramírez, that record has been surpassed. As confirmed by her former club, Levante UD, Emma Hayes’ side have agreed a deal worth €500,000 to secure the forward’s services – with the deal comprising of an initial €450,000 to be followed by €50,000 in variable clauses.
Ramírez reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with her native Colombia, ultimately being defeated by England as the Lionesses went on to reach the final. The 24-year-old forward has been capped 30 times by her country since her friendly debut against Peru in 2018.
‘I am very honoured to be a part of Chelsea,’ Ramírez told the club, before going on to add that ‘to be part of such a huge club is a dream come true and one I’ve had since I was a little girl.’
Speaking in her pre-match press conference ahead of Barclays Women’s Super League clash with Chelsea, Emma Hayes advised reporters that Ramírez has trained with her new teammates but added that the Colombian may not have secured the international clearance required to participate in the match.
