Bay FC, the newest team in the National Women’s Soccer League, has made a sensational signing by acquiring Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF for a reported world-record fee of £625,000 ($785,000).
The 23-year-old, who scored 33 goals in 43 Liga F games for Madrid, has agreed to a four-year deal with the option of a further year. She becomes the first African player, male or female, to break a world transfer record.
Kundananji, who also played at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and has 10 goals in 18 games for Zambia, said she was excited to join Bay FC and play in the NWSL, widely regarded as the best women’s soccer league in the world.
“I’m very happy and grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank Madrid CFF for everything they did for me and for allowing me to make this move. I also want to thank Bay FC for believing in me and for giving me this chance to show my talent and skills in the NWSL,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates, learning from the coaches, and enjoying the amazing fans and atmosphere. I want to give the fans what they want – to enjoy the games, to enjoy seeing me playing and scoring.”
Bay FC, which is co-founded by four U.S. Women’s National Team legends – Brandi Chastain, Aly Wagner, Danielle Slaton, and Leslie Osborne – in partnership with global investment firm Sixth Street, is set to make its debut in the NWSL in the 2024 season. The team will play its home games at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
Bay FC co-chairperson Aly Wagner said the signing of Kundananji was a statement of intent and a reflection of the team’s ambition and vision.
“Racheal is a phenomenal player and a proven goalscorer. She has impressed us with her performances in Spain and on the international stage. She is young, talented, and hungry to succeed. Also fits perfectly with our philosophy and style of play,” Wagner said.
“We are thrilled to welcome her to Bay FC and to the NWSL. We believe she will be a great addition to our squad and a fan favorite. And we are confident that she will make an impact and help us achieve our goals in our inaugural season and beyond.”
The deal for Kundananji surpasses the previous record for a women’s player, which was held by England midfielder Keira Walsh, who moved from Manchester City to Barcelona for £400,000 in 2022.
Kundananji joins Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala and former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie at Bay FC, who have already announced their signings earlier this month.
Bay FC is one of two expansion teams joining the NWSL in 2024, along with San Diego Wave FC, which is backed by tennis star Naomi Osaka and soccer icon Abby Wambach. The NWSL will have 12 teams competing in the 2024 season, with plans to add more in the future.
