Chelsea Sign USA Forward Alyssa Thompson in Club Record Deal

Chelsea have signed United States international Alyssa Thompson from Angel City for a club record fee reported to be just under £1m. The 20-year-old forward has agreed a five-year contract with the Women’s Super League champions, who see her as a long-term addition to their attack. Thompson, who has scored six goals in 16 National Women’s Soccer League games this season, already has 22 international caps for the USA and was part of the squad that won Olympic gold in Paris under former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.

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She arrives at Stamford Bridge at a time when Chelsea are missing key forwards. Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez is sidelined until January with a hamstring injury, while England star Lauren James is unavailable for the opening game of the WSL season against Manchester City. Thompson expressed her excitement about the move, describing Chelsea as one of the best clubs in the world and the perfect place for her to develop at a young age. The deal eclipses Chelsea’s previous transfer record, the £900,000 signing of USA defender Naomi Girma earlier this year, showing the club’s determination to strengthen despite injury setbacks.

Thompson is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world football. She made history when Angel City selected her as the number one overall pick in the 2023 NWSL draft while she was still in high school, a move that cost the club $450,000 to secure. That deal made her the most expensive player in the league at the time, surpassing a record previously set by USA icon Alex Morgan. Thompson wasted no time making her mark, scoring just 11 minutes into her debut.

Her reputation has grown since then, boosted by the chance to play alongside her younger sister Gisele at both Angel City and for the USA national team, making them the first siblings to start together in an NWSL match. Known above all for her blistering pace, Thompson was also a standout sprinter in high school, running 11.69 seconds in the 100m at the California state championships. Angel City had sought to protect their star by extending her contract until 2028 earlier this year, but that move only increased the transfer fee Chelsea had to pay this summer. With her speed, versatility, and proven ability to deliver on big stages, Thompson is expected to bring a new dimension to Chelsea’s attack.

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