Chelsea have announced the signing of Colombian striker Mayra Ramírez from Levante for a reported UK record transfer fee of £384,000, plus £42,000 in possible add-ons. The extras in the deal would make the transfer a world record sum in women’s football.
The 24-year-old, who has 30 caps, joins the Women’s Super League champions on a four-and-a-half year contract.
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Previously with Huelva, Ramírez scored 32 goals in 95 games in the last four years in the Spanish top flight. She arrives with Chelsea – who also signed defender Nathalie Bjorn from Everton in this transfer window – after recently losing leading striker Sam Kerr to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Kerr agreed to sign a new contract with the club this week.
Ramírez said in a club statement: “I am very honored to be part of Chelsea. Being part of such a big club is a dream come true for me that I have had since I was a child.”
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said: “I think everyone knows her qualities. She is so excited to be here and we are really excited to have her with us. Her physicality is incredible, she really is. She has so much size, but also presence and power, and she’s quick with the ball. She’s a threat in the penalty area, she scores goals. She doesn’t speak English, so two or three of us help her. Getting used to it will take a while. But I am sure that she will bring many qualities to our league.”
Hayes said she was unsure if Ramírez would be available on Saturday when the league leaders play Brighton, saying: “I don’t actually know. I know she trained this morning. As for international release, I don’t know at this point.”
