Barbra Banda becomes second-most expensive women’s player ever after joining Orlando Pride on four-year contract
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Updated 08/03/2024 at 09:35 GMT
Barbra Banda has taken second spot in the list of the most expensive women's football transfers, sitting only behind Racheal Kundananji following her compatriot's $860,000 (£685,000) move to join Bay FC from Madrid CFF. The 23-year-old Banda arrives in Florida with a hugely impressive goalscoring pedigree, leaving Shanghai Shengli to join the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) side.
HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 31: Barbra Banda of Zambia celebrates after scoring her team's second goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C match between Costa Rica and Zambia at Waikato Stadium on
Image credit: Getty Images
Barbra Banda has become the second-most expensive player in women’s football history after signing for Orlando Pride in a $740,000 (£581,000) deal.
Banda joins the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) side from Shanghai Shengli on a four-year contract, and means two Zambia internationals have been involved in the two biggest women’s transfer deals.
Keira Walsh’s €470,000 (£400,000) move to Barcelona from Manchester City had been the highest fee since September 2022.
“'I am very excited to join Orlando Pride," Banda told the club website.
"It's a great club and I love what they're building. The National Women's Soccer League is one of the most competitive and strongest leagues in the world so it's very humbling to get a chance to play in it.
"Since my first meeting with the club and the General Manager, I knew this was a club I wanted to join. I can't wait to meet my new teammates and start working with them. I hope to help the team in my small capacity to do great things and win a lot of trophies together.”
The 23-year-old leaves Shanghai after scoring 41 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions for the club, and was part of Zambia's first-ever squad to play at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
She scored in a 3-1 win over Costa Rica, which was also the 1000th goal netted in the tournament’s history.
“It has always been our vision to build the Orlando Pride into an NWSL Championship contender and we believe investment in the world’s best players is a prerequisite for success,” added Orlando Pride owner and chairman Mark Wilf.
“Barbra Banda brings a new level of technical skill, physicality and pace to our attack and she is an exciting and entertaining addition to our roster.
“We thank Shanghai Shengli FC and their leadership for partnering with us to bring Barbra to Orlando and to the National Women’s Soccer League. Our fans have much to look forward to as we prepare to kick off the regular season!”
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