Jessie Fleming joins Portland Thorns after signing from Chelsea

In this article, Senior Writer Tom Hamilton reports on the signing of Canada international Jessie Fleming from Chelsea to the Portland Thorns. The transfer, reported by ESPN, is a significant move for the NWSL club, with the fee of £250,000 ($318,575) being one of the biggest ever spent by an NWSL club. Fleming expressed her excitement to join the Portland Thorns, emphasizing her eagerness to be a part of the community and represent the city. Meanwhile, Chelsea has already reinvested most of the transfer fee in recruiting Mayra Ramírez to fill the void left by Sam Kerr’s injury. The Thorns’ General Manager and Head Coach both spoke highly of Fleming’s attributes, highlighting her championship mindset and abilities in midfield. Overall, the addition of Jessie Fleming to the Portland Thorns is not only a significant move for the club but also a positive development for the NWSL as a whole.
Jessie Fleming’s transfer to the NWSL club, Portland Thorns, has been confirmed by the club. She joins the team from Chelsea for a fee in the region of £250,000 ($318,575), marking a significant signing for the club. This deal has raised eyebrows, as it would rival some of the largest fees ever spent by an NWSL club on a transfer. Fleming expressed her excitement about the move, stating her anticipation to be part of Portland’s renowned community. The Thorns’ General Manager, Karina LeBlanc, acknowledged Fleming’s championship mindset, emphasizing the importance of bringing in players with such attributes as they continue to pursue titles. Head coach Mike Norris is confident that Fleming’s skillset will be a valuable addition to the squad, particularly her abilities to create in midfield and provide crucial passes to the forward line. This is seen as a significant step for the Thorns as they build the roster for the current season and beyond. With her acquisition, Fleming is set to join a diverse and accomplished team that includes international teammates from the United States and Canada. Her collegiate achievements at UCLA, coupled with her successful professional career, add even more depth to her signing with the Thorns.