Mayra Ramirez: Chelsea sign Levante and Colombia forward for British record fee - ‘A dream come true’

Chelsea have announced the signing of Mayra Ramirez from Spanish side Levante for a British record transfer fee.

The 24-year-old Colombian forward has joined the club in a deal worth £385,000 and has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The fee could rise to £428,000 if add-ons are met, which would break the world record fee of £400,000 that Barcelona paid Manchester City for Keira Walsh.

Ramirez called it a “dream come true” to join The Blues.

“I am very honoured to be a part of Chelsea,” Ramirez told the club website.

“To be part of such a huge club is a dream come true and one I’ve had since I was a little girl.”

Chelsea’s general manager Paul Green added: “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.”

Chelsea have been seeking a new striker ever since Sam Kerr suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier this month.

Emma Hayes, who is departing the club at the end of the season, will hope Ramirez can fill the void left by Kerr as Chelsea chase a fifth successive Women’s Super League (WSL) title.

Kerr netted 58 times in 73 WSL games during a dominant four-and-a-half years for Chelsea and picked up two golden boots in that time.

Ramirez has impressed in Liga F for Levante this season, scoring six times in seven games.

Last season, the forward contributed to 25 goals in 27 games with 14 goals and 11 assists.

She also helped Colombia reach the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals and has represented her country 30 times.

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