Jessie Fleming is coming back to North America.
The National Women’s Soccer League’s Portland Thorns announced the signing of Fleming in a transfer from Chelsea FC on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old midfielder’s transfer fee was reported to be £250,000, the largest in National Women’s Soccer League history. She is officially signed through the 2026 season.
“I am very excited to be joining the Portland Thorns,” Fleming said in a team-released statement. “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 spent four years of club play with Chelsea FC, where she made 65 appearances, notching ten goals en route to capturing three league titles, three FA Cup trophies and the FA Women’s League Cup.
She will be the third Canadian to be on the Portland Thorns roster this year, joining Janine Beckie and Christine Sinclair. All three players have an extensive history with the Canadian National Team.
Fleming, who has made 123 caps for her team, helped champion Canada to a gold medal in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and has been honoured as Canada’s Women’s Player of the Year three years in a row.
