Claudia Martinz has joined the Washington Spirit. Credit: Futbolero/Wikimedia Commons

Paraguay sensation Claudia Martinez has joined the Washington Spirit for £700,000, entering the top ten for record signings in women’s football.

The fee surpasses that of the most expensive signing in the WSL this month, which was Sam Coffey’s £650,000 move from Portland Thorns to Manchester City.

Washington Spirit sign Claudia Martinez

Claudia Martinez, who turned 18 earlier this month, joins the Washington Spirit from Club Olimpia in Paraguay.

She was linked with a potential world record move to the Spirit, as her release clause reportedly stood at £1.5 million.

However, the reported fee for the striker is £700,000. She becomes the first ever player from Paraguay to play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Speaking to the club’s website, she said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity Washington Spirit is giving me at this new stage of my career. I’m very happy to be joining such a respected institution in women’s soccer at a global level.”

General manager Nathan Minion added: “For someone so early in her career, Claudia has a lot of great experience and the potential to develop into a top player. Her qualities in the attack...