American forward Mia Fishel is set to join English side Chelsea, according to sources familiar with the move. The parties are currently finalizing contract details, and it has been reported that Chelsea paid a transfer fee of $260,000 for Fishel’s services. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting transfer:
Fishel, who was selected in the first round of the 2022 NWSL Draft by the Orlando Pride, decided to join Tigres in Liga MX Femenil instead. In an interview with Goal.com, Fishel expressed her dissatisfaction with the draft system, stating that she wanted more control over her career and to be appreciated and seen as a player.
Since joining Tigres in January 2022, Fishel has been a standout performer for the team. She quickly became their top goalscorer throughout the 2022-23 season and helped the team win the championship in the 2022 Apertura.
Chelsea’s decision to sign Fishel is in line with their history of making significant investments in women’s football. In 2019, they signed superstar forward Sam Kerr on a deal worth over $400,000 per year. They also paid a transfer fee of over $300,000 for Pernille Harder’s move from Wolfsburg in 2020. Fishel’s signing adds to an already impressive roster of forwards at Chelsea, including Kerr, Fran Kirby, and Lauren James.
While competition for a starting spot will be tough, Fishel’s performances in Liga MX Femenil have proven that she is ready to make the jump to a bigger club. Playing alongside top-level players like Kerr and Harder will undoubtedly help her gain more recognition and increase her chances of being called up to the U.S. national team.
The departure of Fishel will undoubtedly be a blow to Tigres, as they are losing a prolific goalscorer. However, this transfer, along with their previous transfer of Uchenna Kanu to Racing Louisville for a $150,000 fee, showcases Tigres’ ambition to be a major player in the global women’s transfer market. By developing and selling talented players like Fishel and Kanu, Tigres can strengthen their squad and potentially earn higher transfer fees in the future.
In conclusion, Mia Fishel’s move to Chelsea is an exciting development for both the player and the club. Fishel’s decision to join Chelsea demonstrates her ambition to play at the highest level and increase her chances of representing the U.S. national team. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s investment in Fishel highlights their commitment to building a formidable squad capable of competing for titles. As Fishel prepares to embark on this new chapter in her career, all eyes will be on her as she aims to make a significant impact in the English game.