Jessie Fleming is headed to Portland, with the Canadian national set to join the Thorns after departing Chelsea FC.
The Telegraph’s Tom Garry first reported the news, writing that Fleming said farewell to her Chelsea teammates on Monday. Garry also reported that Fleming is “adored by everyone” at the club and is parting on “great terms.”
Fleming’s transfer fee is reportedly around £250,000, or about $316,000 USD. It’s a record number for the NWSL and makes her the most expensive signing ever made by an American women’s team.
Exclusive: Canada's Jessie Fleming is set to leave Chelsea and join Portland Thorns for around £250,000, believed to be an NWSL record. Fleming said goodbye to her Chelsea team-mates on Monday. She's adored by everyone at Chelsea and parts on great terms. More on @TeleFootball
— Tom Garry (@TomJGarry) January 23, 2024
Fleming is a winner, having helped Chelsea to three Women’s Super League titles, three women’s FA Cups and a League Cup. She also won Olympic gold with Canada in Tokyo in 2021, scoring in the final.
With the transfer fee, Garry reports that the WSL leaders are likely going to use it toward signing a striker. Their sights are set on Colombian forward Mayra Ramírez from Levante, which has already been reported in Spain.
Fleming joins Canadian national teammates Christine Sinclair and Janine Beckie in Portland.