In a major boost for Chelsea Women's Super League team, they have acquired the services of Levante star Mayra Ramírez in a record-breaking €450,000 transfer. This signing comes at a crucial time for Chelsea, as they are dealing with the loss of influential striker Sam Kerr due to an ACL injury. With Ramírez's adaptability and versatility, she brings a valuable set of skills to the team.
The 24-year-old Colombian international has demonstrated her ability to play in various positions along the forward line. While she is likely to fill the void as a No. 9 striker in Kerr's absence, she can also drop into the No. 10 midfield role or play out wide. This flexibility gives Chelsea manager Emma Hayes multiple options to utilize Ramírez's talents effectively.
One of Ramírez's key attributes is her goal-scoring prowess. Last season, she found the back of the net 14 times in 27 league appearances for Levante. Despite facing injuries this season, she has managed to score six goals in seven outings for Liga F's second-placed side. However, her contributions go beyond scoring goals.
Ramírez's ability to link up with her teammates and showcase excellent linkup play is one of her real strengths. This quality has been evident both at club level with Levante and on the international stage with Colombia, particularly during the 2023 Women's World Cup. While the attention was focused on teenage sensation Linda Caicedo, Ramírez's partnership with veteran player Catalina Usme proved vital for Colombia's success.
At Levante, Ramírez's versatility to drift inside and form connections with teammates like Natasa Andonova and Alba Redondo has been instrumental. Her ability to secure possession and shield the ball is impressive, and she possesses light footwork and a delicate touch. These attributes align with the strengths of her new Chelsea teammates, such as Mia Fishel's strength while driving forward, Lauren James' quick feet, and Fran Kirby's ability to shield the ball.
In Chelsea's current setup, Ramírez is expected to rotate with United States star Mia Fishel as the team's No. 9 striker until Catarina Macario, another USWNT squad member, fully recovers from her ACL injury. However, there are also other options for the forward positions. Lauren James, who impressed the manager with a hat trick against Manchester United, is seen as a natural No. 10 and could play a more creative role. Fran Kirby, with her tendencies to play centrally, is another option for the No. 9 role.
Hayes has an abundance of choices on the wings as well. She can deploy players like Kirby, Guro Reiten, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, or bring Aggie Beever-Jones off the bench and push Sjoeke Nüsken into a more advanced role. The depth and variety in attacking options are crucial for success in the multiple competitions Chelsea is involved in, including the Women's Champions League, Conti Cup, and FA Cup.
The ability to overload the opposition and create fluidity in the squad has been a key aspect of Chelsea's success. With players like Ashley Lawrence and Niamh Charles driving forward from full-back positions, having a natural center-forward who can occupy the center-backs or provide passing options has proven effective. That is where the potential of Ramírez shines through.
Hayes, who will be leaving for the USWNT job this summer, has been instrumental in innovating, developing, and strengthening the Chelsea squad. Despite knowing her upcoming departure, she is still committed to ensuring that the team is in the best possible position for her successor. The financial backing from Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has undoubtedly facilitated these improvements, showcasing his belief in investing in the women's team.
With the high-profile acquisition of Mayra Ramírez, Chelsea sends a clear message to their WSL competitors about their ambitions. Her arrival adds further depth and quality to an already formidable squad. Despite the significant transfer fee, Ramírez has the potential to prove herself as an invaluable asset to Chelsea, making the investment well worth it. As Chelsea continues to compete for titles on multiple fronts, they have left their rivals with a daunting prospect to face.
