Latest addition sets transfer fee record
Bay FC are making history before even taking the field for their debut NWSL season.
On Tuesday, they announced the acquisition of Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF, reportedly for a women’s world-record transfer fee of $787,600.
Kundananji is signed through the 2027 season, with an option for an additional year, the team said in a news release. According to the Equalizer, which first reported details of the transfer fee, the 23-yearold’s contract has a total valuation surpassing $2.5 million.
Bay FC smashed the previous highest transfer fee set by Chelsea in January when it signed Levante’s Mayra Ramírez for around $480,000 with another $53,500 in possible add-ons.
“We are delighted to add Racheal to our group,” Bay FC general manager Lucy Rushton said in a statement. “She is a tremendous talent with dynamic attacking qualities and an incredible physical profile who has produced for both club and country. Racheal has a composure in front of goal and a natural ability to score with different types of finishes and from various locations. We believe she will continue to grow and develop at our club, showcasing her skill set and adding to the array of exciting attacking talent we have here.”
Kundananji had 25 goals last season, second most in the top Spanish league, Liga F.
She represented Zambia at the Tokyo Olympics and made her Women’s World Cup debut last year in Australia, where she scored in a 3-1 win over Costa Rica in the group stage.
Bay FC director of scouting and strategy Austin Buchanan has followed Kundananji for years and said in a statement that her acquisition is “the culmination of a lot of work behind the scenes.”
“Due to the club and ownership group’s continued support and drive to raise the bar across women’s sport, we are able to bring a true young talent like Racheal to the league,” Buchanan said. “After what has been over a year’s worth of work seen come to fruition, I cannot wait to welcome Racheal to Bay FC and the NWSL.”
Bay FC open their season March 16 at Angel City.