Tanzania international Clara Luvanga has completed a move from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr to the Washington Spirit in what is thought to be one of the biggest transfers in women’s football history.
The National Women’s Soccer League club has not publicly revealed the transfer fee.
Reports suggest the deal could be worth $2.3m, external (approximately £1.7m), a figure that would make Luvanga the most expensive women’s footballer of all time.
The reported amount has not been independently confirmed, although a source familiar with the deal believes it is among the five highest fees ever paid in the women’s game.
The Spirit chose not to provide details about the fee when approached for clarification.
The 21-year-old forward has agreed to a contract that runs through the conclusion of the 2029 NWSL season.
Should the reported sum prove accurate, it would exceed the £1.4m London City Lionesses reportedly paid Paris St-Germain for Grace Geyoro last year.
That valuation has also been questioned, highlighting the limited transparency surrounding transfer fees in women’s football.
The move makes Luvanga the first player from Tanzania to compete in the NWSL.
During her three campaigns with Al-Nassr, Luvanga helped the club win the Saudi Women’s Premier League each season, along with the Saudi Women’s Cup, Saudi Women’s Super Cup and the West Asian Football Federation Women’s Clubs Championship.
She finished as the league’s leading scorer last season after recording 24 goals across 14 matches.
Washington Spirit are owned by Michele Kang, who is also the owner of London City Lionesses.
London City strengthened their squad with several prominent additions during the summer window, including two-time Ballon d’Or recipient Alexia Putellas, who joined from Barcelona on a three-year contract.
Luvanga earned her first senior cap for Tanzania in 2024. She moved to Al-Nassr in 2023 after playing for Spanish club DUX Logrono, having previously progressed through the youth ranks at Tanzania’s Yanga Princess.
Speaking about the transfer, Luvanga said: “I am thrilled to become a Washington Spirit player and begin this fresh challenge in the NWSL.
“Although I am joining after the season has started, I cannot wait to experience football in a different league and country.”
Spirit sporting director James Hocken said: “Clara brings another dynamic attacking option to the team as we prepare for the play-offs.
“She may still be young, but she has already shown that she can find the net in a variety of ways and possesses the qualities required to thrive in this competition.”
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