JESSIE FLEMING has sealed a permanent move from Chelsea to US club Portland Thorns bringing her Blues career to an end.
The Canada star, 25, has joined the club, who compete in the USA’s women’s top tier for a fee thought to be in the region of £250,000.
Fleming’s transfer saw the highly rated midfielder bring the curtain down on a Blues spell that began in July 2020.
Her move comes five days after the WSL leaders signed striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante for a British record fee of £384,000 plus up to £50,000 in add ons.
It also follows Fleming making ten top-flight appearances for the WSL leaders this term.
She said: “I am very excited to be joining the Portland Thorns.
“More than anything, I am looking forward to being a part of the incredible community surrounding the team that is so often talked about with Portland.
“I feel honoured to represent these people and this city and cannot wait to get started.”
Fleming, whose journey as a professional footballer started at Chelsea, played in the US college game before joining the Blues.
The Canada ace spent three years playing for University of California side UCLA Bruins from 2016 before joining the WSL titleholders in 2020.
Fleming’s move to England and Chelsea saw her sign her first professional contract in football.
The midfield ace went on make 111 appearances for the London giants. helping them win three WSL titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and a Community Shield.
On the international stage Fleming has emerged as an influential figure for Canada who are coached by former England assistant Bev Priestman.
The former Blues ace helped her national side win gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics under Priestman’s guidance
The team triumphed in the women’s football contest final at the games with Fleming scoring in their defeat of Sweden.
Of Fleming’s record, Thorns general manager Karina Le Blanc said: “As we continue to pursue championships, it is important for us to bring in players with championship mindsets, which Jessie has, both with club and country.
“After speaking with Jessie, it became very clear that the Thorns are an organisation she has admired from afar, she understands how uniquely rare and special this community, fan base and team is.”
