Image via @westhamwomen on Instagram
As the transfer window draws to a close, it’s no secret that West Ham have had one of the busiest summers in England with nine signings and ten outgoings to date. Within this, they’ve secured the signatures of a strong mix of experience and youth, adding to the already stacked squad.
In January, the club saw five new additions as well as a manger to their squad and it has since become clear that Rita Guarino joined the side with a mission: to win.
Their first purchase of the summer came in the form of Katie Zelem from London City Lionesses. She spent the second half of the 25/26 season on loan to the club and is a proven leader, having captained Manchester United for five years. With the recent departure of Katrina Gorry, there’s a high likelihood that she will pick up this role once more whilst Claret & Blue.
Next came Constance Picaud, a France international goal keeper with experience in both the Champions league and on the international stage. The keeper amassed 8 clean sheets in 22 games last season and with the recent departure of Kinga Szemik, it seems like a move well fitted for the 28 year old.
A seemingly surprising announcement was revealed next with Laia Codina switching North London for East. The defender won the world cup with Spain in 2023 and has three champions league titles to her name – two with Barcelona and one with Arsenal. With a lack of playing time last season, Codina will be looking to become a regular starter for the Hammers side.
Nadine Riesen quickly became the club’s fourth summer signing, joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. The Swiss international joins after three years in Germany, even playing in the Champions League during her tenure and is likely to be first choice at right back after the recent injury to Tuva Hansen.
The Hammers next couple of signings looked slightly different in Sienna Wareing and niamh Peacock. The duo joined from Manchester United and Arsenal’s academies, and despite not having huge amounts of senior footballing experience, they have a good understanding of the English playing style so their moves are likely to be seamless, both proving as good additions to the West Ham squad.
Ebony Salmon switched one type of Claret and Blue for another this summer, making the move from Aston Villa to West ham earlier this year. The forward struggled to find her form last season, often featuring for the Villains from the bench so will be hoping for more regular game time in order to improve her performances in the season ahead.
Estelle Cascarino was thought to be leaving West Ham after the conclusion of her loan this summer, however she recently signed a three year deal with the Hammers, keeping her at the club until 2029. The 29 year old plays primarily as a centre back and has prior league experience at Manchester United in 2023. Her time at Juventus didn’t quite go to plan with a lack of opportunities over the past couple of years and she joins former teammate, Lia Walti in returning to the WSL this summer.
The club’s most recent signing saw Kelly Gago join the club from Everton after just 18 months in the North West. The striker scored a total of ten goals in her time at the club, but after missing several matches last season, the striker will be looking to improve her tally this year.
West Ham had an influx of player departures this summer, including captain and vice-captain duo, Katrina Gorry and Shelina Zadorsky. With Gorry taking time out of football and Zadorsky moving back to her home country, Canada to play, the club will be looking to newer arrivals to fill their shoes this season, a massive jump from seasons prior.
Other departures saw striker, Shakiera Martinez join Tottenham Hotspur, Vereana Hanshaw and Camila Saez move to clubs overseas and both Jessie Stapleton and Jess Ziu both join Leicester City. Emily Taylor Brown also moved to AFC Wimbledon and Soraya Walsh joined Aberdeen in the SWPL.
West Ham’s transfer window has been a huge jump from previous seasons, and whilst there is lots of change within the squad, they got their business done early, putting themselves in the best possible position for the season ahead. Newcomers have had a full season to gel with the team and transfers saw all the replacements needed, so it’ll be interesting to see how the club shape up in the upcoming season.