Chelsea smash women's world transfer record with £383K move for Levante forward

Chelsea have signed Colombian forward Mayra Ramirez from Levante in a world record deal for a female footballer.

The Blues have paid 450,000 euros (£382,800) up front but Levante are set to receive an extra 50,000 euros (£42,600) in add-ons.

The total fee surpasses the previous record which was set when Keira Walsh moved from Manchester City to Barcelona for £350,000 in 2022.

Chelsea moved quickly to secure Ramirez following the long-term injury to star striker Sam Kerr, who ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament on the club’s warm weather training camp earlier this month.

Ramirez, 24, has 30 caps for Colombia and was part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup, where they were beaten by England.

The forward had attracted interest from French clubs Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain last summer but a move failed to materialise due to Levante not wishing to sell. The Spanish side, however, could not turn down the Blues’ offer of a record fee.

Ramirez said: ‘I am very honoured to be a part of Chelsea. To be part of such a huge club is a dream come true and one I’ve had since I was a little girl.’

Chelsea’s general manager Paul Green has been overseeing recruitment, with manager Emma Hayes set to leave the club at the end of the season.

‘Mayra is a dynamic forward who can play anywhere across the front line,’ Green said.

‘We have watched her develop in Spain over the last few years and believe her style is going to suit playing in England.

‘She has great physicality, athleticism and a good goal scoring record. We’re all excited with what she can bring to the squad now and in the long-term.’

Ramirez, who joined Levante from Sporting de Huelva in 2022, scored 32 goals in 95 games in the Spanish league.