Jessie Fleming is reportedly on the move and it is a big one.
She has been one of the best players in the world for both Chelsea and the Canadian Women’s National Team. But her time in West London is coming to an end.
It was first reported by Tom Garry of The Telegraph that Fleming will leave Chelsea for the NWSL’s Portland Thorns. The reported fee is 250,000 pounds which will be a record transfer for the NWSL. 250,000 pounds is roughly 426,988 in Canadian Dollars.
Fleming was loved by her teammates and the fans at Chelsea. Garry reports that she has already said goodbye to her teammates. Fleming has also has parted ways with the club on great terms.
The London Ontario native was named Canada’s women’s soccer player of the year in 2023. That was her third year in a row winning that award. She is a versatile attacker and can play attacking midfielder, winger or even as a striker. Fleming has displayed excellent playmaking skills with her deadly passing and is also a solid dribbler.
She was a multi-sport athlete growing up and played hockey and participated in cross country and track and field in addition to soccer. Fleming went to UCLA to play soccer for the Bruins and played there from 2016 to 2019. In 2013, at just 15 years old, she made her senior debut for Canada.
With Canada, Fleming has proved to be a vital player in Bev Priestman’s side. She has made 123 appearances and has scored 19 goals. Fleming has helped Canada win Olympic gold in 2021, bronze in 2016, the Algarve Cup in 2016 and Four Nations Tournament in 2015.
She made the move to Chelsea in July of 2020 and it was a massive success. She and Chelsea have won the last three Women’s Super League titles, the last three Women’s FA Cups and one Women’s FA Community Shield. At Chelsea, Fleming has managed 18 goal contributions in three and a half seasons and even finished ninth in the Women’s Ballon d’Or voting in 2021.
Fleming joins a Portland Thorns side that finished second in the NWSL regular season and made it to the semi-finals in the playoffs. She will reacquainted with Canadian teammates, Janine Beckie and Christine Sinclair.
Fleming joins a Portland Thorns side that finished second in the NWSL regular season and made it to the semi-finals in the playoffs. She will reacquainted with Canadian teammates, Janine Beckie and Christine Sinclair.