The NWSL saw another major move on Tuesday, as the San Diego Wave acquired Brazil international Ludmila from the Chicago Stars in a trade worth up to $1 million, signing the standout attacker through the 2028 season.
The Stars received $800,000 in transfer funds for the 31-year-old striker, plus an estimated $200,000 in conditional incentives — making Ludmila's trade one of the most lucrative intraleague deals in NWSL history.
"I scored my first NWSL goal against San Diego and [it] always was a team I admired. I loved the supporters, the energy of the team, and the vibes of the city when I visited. I'm very happy to be part of this Club's history," Ludmila said in the Wave's Thursday statement. "I'm very excited to show my football in front of all the supporters and score many goals in these colors."
Second only to Jaedyn Shaw's $1.25 million transfer from the North Carolina Courage to Gotham FC last September, this week's Ludmila transaction underlines the soaring price tags to roster — and retain — top talent.
"[Ludmila's] versatility allows her to operate in multiple attacking roles, giving our coaches more tactical options in different game situations," said Wave GM Camille Ashton. "We're confident she will be a valuable asset to the Club's success moving forward."
The signing of Ludmila comes as news emerges that San Diego Wave star Delphine Cascarino is on the brink of exiting the league entirely, with L'Équipe reporting on Tuesday that the French forward is closing in on a deal to join WSL debutants, the London City Lionesses.
