Chelsea smash world record to land Colombia forward Ramirez

Chelsea have agreed a world-record deal to sign Colombia forward Mayra Ramirez on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 24-year-old, holder of 30 international caps, joins the Women's Super League champions from Levante, with whom she had been since 2022.

Levante said: "The deal amounts to €450,000 fixed, plus €50k in variable amounts based on goals that the club expects to be met, one of which requires Ramirez to play 30% of the matches."

The previous record in the women's game was the €400k paid by Barcelona to sign England midfielder Keira Walsh from Manchester City in 2022.

Previously at Huelva, Ramirez has scored 32 goals in 95 games across the last four years in the Spanish top flight.

She arrives with Chelsea — who have also signed defender Nathalie Bjorn from Everton in the current transfer window — having recently lost star striker Sam Kerr to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Ramirez said in a statement from the club: "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.

"I want to help the team win every competition we're in this season. It's about achieving the objectives of the club.

"I think the overall level of the Women's Super League is now the best. So I am very excited to discover what the league is like and enter a new environment here.

"I feel I can bring strength, speed, and goals to the team. I am confident I can do well, help the team achieve what we want this season and be one of the top teams — if not the best — in Europe."

General manager Paul Green said: "Mayra is a dynamic forward who can play anywhere across the front line. 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 goalscoring record. We're all excited with what she can bring to the squad now and in the long term."