By Field Level Media
Angel City FC announced the transfer of forward Alyssa Thompson to Chelsea FC Women for what the club said is a record outgoing fee for the National Women's Soccer League.
Angel City said it is "one of the highest transactions in global women's soccer" and that it was the 20-year-old Thompson's decision to leave. While financial details were not disclosed, The Athletic reported that Chelsea will pay at least $1.3 million with the potential for add-ons.
Chelsea announced Friday that
Thompson's contract with the club runs until 2030.
"Chelsea is such an amazing club, one of the best in the world," Thompson said. "Being able to play with players that are the best in the world is an amazing opportunity at such a young age and I want to learn, grow and develop a lot. I feel like Chelsea is such an amazing environment to do that in."
Thompson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and was the youngest player and the first high school player to be drafted into the league. She has gone on to score 15 goals along with 11 assists in 62 regular- season appearances, including six goals with two assists through 16 games this season.
Thompson and her sister, Gisele, who is a defender, signed extensions through the 2028 season in January. They scored the first sister-to-sister goal in NWSL history in May.
"We thank Alyssa for her contributions to Angel City and are grateful for the mark she has left on our team and the city of Los Angeles," the club said in a statement. "While we respect her decision to leave, Angel City's focus remains firmly on building a championship-winning club. Under the leadership of our head coach Alex Straus, we are committed to our current roster, investing in our future, and showing up for our incredible supporters and community."
Thompson also has 22 caps for the United States Women's National Team while scoring three goals. Her deal with Chelsea breaks the previous NWSL outgoing transfer fee of $1.1 million set when USWNT forward Catarina Macario joined Chelsea from the San Diego Wave last season.
"We're delighted to bring Alyssa to the club. She's a dynamic winger with electric pace, who can play on either wing and is very good in one-on-one situations," Chelsea coach Paul Green said. "Alyssa is one of the best and most exciting young players in the world, and we're looking forward to seeing how she develops further during her time with Chelsea."
--Field Level Media
