NWSL side Washington Spirit have completed the signing of striker Clara Luvanga from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on a four-year contract running through the 2029 season, as first reported by ESPN. Although Washington Spirit declined to disclose the transfer fee, reports from Africa Soccer and Pan Africa Football claim the American club paid between $2 million and $2.3 million. If verified, the transaction represents a new milestone for the women's game, though official confirmation of the record-breaking fee remains undisclosed by both clubs. Luvanga expressed her excitement to join the club ahead of the NWSL playoffs, stating in an interview on the club's website that she is eager to take on a new challenge in a new country.
The TransferNews database shows that a $2.3 million fee would eclipse the previous global women's transfer record of $1.5 million paid for Mexican forward Lizbeth Ovalle, as well as recent major deals like Olivia Smith's $1.36 million move. Luvanga, who scored 24 goals in 14 league appearances last season to secure the Saudi Women's Premier League Golden Boot and her third consecutive league title, becomes the first Tanzanian player in NWSL history. She joins Washington as their seventh active African international, adding immediate depth to the squad's attack. Spirit general manager James Hocken noted in a club statement that Luvanga possesses the tactical profile to succeed immediately in the United States. The striker is expected to integrate into the squad immediately ahead of the NWSL playoffs starting in November.
