Chelsea Women have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old United States international Alyssa Thompson from Angel City FC. She joins the club on a five-year deal running until 2030, in what could become a record-breaking transfer.
Reports indicate Chelsea paid an upfront fee of approximately £1.1 million, with performance-based add-ons that could push the total toward a world-record sum. If those conditions are met, the deal would eclipse the record set just days ago when Grace Geyoro moved from Paris Saint-Germain to London City Lionesses for £1.43 million.
Chelsea’s Vision for the Alyssa Thompson
At a young age, Thompson already brings considerable experience. The winger has earned 22 caps with the US Women’s National Team and has shown exceptional pace and skill on both flanks.
Chelsea’s head of women’s football, Paul Green, praised her as “a dynamic winger with electric pace, who can play on either wing and is very good in one-on-one situations.”
The club sees her as a player who can add another dimension to their attack as they pursue a seventh straight Women’s Super League title this season.
Her arrival also strengthens their push for European glory, with Chelsea determined to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League after coming close in recent years.
A Rising Star in Women’s Football
Thompson was drafted first overall by Angel City FC directly from high school in 2023, becoming the youngest player ever taken at that stage. She quickly adapted to the professional game and impressed with her dribbling, direct play and eye for goal.
By the time of her move to Chelsea, she had already become one of the most talked-about young players in the NWSL.
For Thompson, the move represents the next step in her career. The Women’s Super League has become increasingly attractive to international stars, offering high levels of competition and exposure. Thompson’s decision to join Chelsea highlights the club’s pulling power and the global growth of the women’s game.
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Impact on Angel City and the NWSL
For Angel City, losing a player of Thompson’s calibre is a major blow, particularly as they push for a playoff spot in the NWSL this autumn.
Her departure leaves a gap in their attack, though the club will now have significant resources to reinvest.
The NWSL continues to serve as a launchpad for top American talent, with Europe offering new challenges and, increasingly, bigger paydays. Thompson’s move is the latest example of the shifting balance of financial power in women’s football.
A Sign of the Times
This transfer, coming at the start of the 2025/26 WSL season, underlines just how quickly the women’s transfer market is evolving.
Fees that were once unthinkable are now becoming more common, and Chelsea’s bold move for Thompson shows that the race for top talent is intensifying across the game.
At just 20, Thompson has her best years ahead of her. Chelsea are betting big that she will be central to their future success in England and in Europe.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 05.09.2025