West Ham Women’s New Faces: Analysing the Hammers Summer Signings Ahead of the 26/27 WSL Season | OneFootball

The West Ham Women signings completed ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season represent one of the club’s boldest transfer windows since joining the WSL. After another campaign in which the Hammers spent too much time looking over their shoulders at the bottom of the table, the club has responded by rebuilding almost every department of the squad.

Rather than making one or two marquee additions, West Ham have focused on improving the overall quality of the team. Rita Guarino has welcomed players from Arsenal, Juventus, OL Lyonnes, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fleury. They will play alongside experienced WSL performers who already understand the demands of English football.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this recruitment drive is that every signing appears to have a clear purpose. The Hammers have not simply targeted big names. Instead, they have recruited players who fit Guarino’s tactical philosophy, whether that is defenders comfortable playing out from the back, midfielders capable of controlling possession or forwards who can stretch opposition defences.

On paper, this looks like the strongest West Ham squad assembled in several years. However, integrating so many new players will inevitably take time. Chemistry cannot be built overnight, particularly when players arrive from different leagues, cultures and tactical systems. Nevertheless, the quality of the recruitment suggests West Ham are no longer content with simply surviving in the WSL.

Laia Codina arrives to West Ham with elite pedigree

If there is one signing that immediately signals West Ham’s ambition, it is Laia Codina. The Spanish international arrives from Arsenal with a CV that would enhance almost any club in the WSL. She brings the experience of winning league titles, competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and representing Spain on the biggest stage in world football.

Codina’s football education came at Barcelona, where she progressed through one of the finest youth systems in the world. Training every day alongside some of the best players in women’s football demands an exceptional level of technical ability, intelligence and professionalism. Although opportunities in Barcelona’s star-studded first team were naturally limited, the experience shaped her into the composed defender she has become.

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Her move to Arsenal presented a different challenge. English football is generally more physical and direct than Spain’s Liga F, requiring defenders to adapt quickly. During her time in North London, Codina demonstrated that she could cope with the intensity of the WSL while continuing to develop her distribution and defensive awareness.

International football has further enhanced her reputation. As part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad in 2023, Codina experienced the pressure that comes with competing for major honours. Those experiences cannot be underestimated when joining a team looking to raise standards. Players who have won trophies often bring an elite mentality that influences the entire dressing room.

From a tactical perspective, Codina looks perfectly suited to Rita Guarino’s philosophy. Rather than simply defending deep and clearing danger, she is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and starting attacks from the back. Her passing range allows her to switch play confidently, while her composure ensures West Ham can retain possession instead of surrendering it unnecessarily.

Defensively, Codina relies on intelligence as much as physicality. She reads the game exceptionally well, often intercepting passes before opponents can create dangerous situations. Her positional awareness means she rarely dives into reckless tackles, preferring to stay on her feet and force attackers into difficult decisions.

Although she is not the tallest central defender in the league, her timing in aerial duels and willingness to compete ensure she is rarely dominated physically. Equally impressive is her communication, something that will be particularly valuable within a defence containing several new arrivals.

There will inevitably be pressure on Codina to become the leader of West Ham’s defence almost immediately. Given her experience, technical ability and winning mentality, she appears more than capable of handling that responsibility. If she performs to her usual standards, the Spaniard could prove to be one of the smartest defensive signings made by any WSL club this summer.

Estelle Cascarino adds composure and versatility

Alongside Codina, the arrival of Estelle Cascarino gives West Ham another defender with extensive experience at the highest level of European football.

The French international joins after a successful spell with Juventus, where she established herself as a reliable and tactically disciplined defender. Throughout her career, Cascarino has built a reputation as a player who rarely attracts headlines but consistently performs to a high standard. Every successful defence needs players capable of making intelligent decisions, and Cascarino excels in that area.

One of her greatest strengths is versatility. Comfortable operating both as a centre-back and as a full-back, she gives Guarino valuable tactical flexibility throughout the season. Injuries and fixture congestion often force managers to rotate their squads, and having a defender capable of performing multiple roles without a drop in quality is invaluable.

Cascarino’s style differs slightly from Codina’s. While the Spaniard often initiates attacks with progressive passing, Cascarino’s game is built around defensive organisation and consistency. She positions herself well, reads attacking movements intelligently and is rarely caught out of position. Rather than relying on recovery pace, she prevents danger before it develops.

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Her experience in Serie A Femminile will also benefit West Ham. Italian football places significant emphasis on tactical discipline, defensive structure and positioning. Those qualities should complement Guarino’s coaching methods, given the Italian manager’s preference for organised defensive football.

Despite her defensive qualities, Cascarino is more comfortable on the ball than many traditional centre-backs. She rarely panics under pressure and can play accurate passes through midfield when opportunities arise. While she is unlikely to produce spectacular moments, her consistency should allow West Ham to build a more reliable defensive foundation.

Another factor that makes Cascarino an important signing is her leadership. Having played alongside experienced internationals throughout her career, she understands the standards required both on and off the pitch. Younger defenders within the squad are likely to benefit from her calm influence and professionalism.

Should Guarino pair Cascarino with Codina regularly, West Ham could possess one of the most balanced central defensive partnerships outside the league’s traditional top four.

Alice Sombath represents an investment in the future

Not every signing has been made purely for immediate impact. Alice Sombath represents one of the most exciting long-term investments among the West Ham Women signings.

Joining from OL Lyonnes, Sombath arrives from arguably the most successful club in women’s football history. Lyon’s academy has consistently produced technically gifted players capable of competing at the highest level. Developing within that environment provides an education few clubs can match.

Breaking into Lyon’s senior side is notoriously difficult given the extraordinary level of competition. Nevertheless, training alongside world-class internationals on a daily basis accelerates a young player’s development, particularly in tactical understanding and technical quality.

Sombath is regarded as a modern defender. Comfortable with the ball at her feet, she enjoys building attacks rather than simply clearing danger. Her passing is composed, she scans the pitch well before receiving possession and possesses the confidence to play through opposition pressure.

Physically, she combines strength with mobility, allowing her to compete against powerful forwards while also recovering quickly if opponents attempt to attack space behind the defence. Those qualities should prove useful in the WSL, where matches are often played at a high tempo.

Although opportunities may initially be limited due to the arrivals of Codina and Cascarino, West Ham’s coaching staff are likely to view Sombath as a player capable of developing into a regular starter over the next few seasons.

Young defenders often require patience. Mistakes are inevitable while adjusting to senior football, particularly in a league as competitive as the WSL. However, Sombath appears to possess the mentality and technical ability required to fulfil her considerable potential.

Should she continue her development, West Ham may eventually look back on this transfer as one of the smartest pieces of recruitment completed this summer.

Nadine Riesen brings energy down the left for West Ham

Swiss international Nadine Riesen arrives after impressing in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt. While there, she established herself as one of the Bundesliga’s most effective attacking full-backs.

The modern game demands far more from full-backs than simply defending wide areas. They are expected to contribute in possession, create chances and support attacks while maintaining defensive discipline. Riesen fits that profile perfectly.

One of her greatest assets is athleticism. She possesses the stamina to cover the entire left flank throughout ninety minutes, repeatedly joining attacks before recovering quickly to defend. That work rate should make her particularly valuable within Guarino’s system, especially if West Ham look to play with adventurous wide players.

Going forward, Riesen is an excellent crosser of the ball. Rather than delivering hopeful crosses into crowded penalty areas, she often waits for the right moment before selecting intelligent deliveries towards teammates making late runs. Her decision-making in attacking positions has steadily improved throughout her career.

Defensively, she combines aggression with discipline. She enjoys pressing opponents high up the pitch but rarely abandons her positional responsibilities. Her pace also enables her to recover when teams attempt to exploit space behind her.

International experience with Switzerland has further enhanced her development. Competing regularly against elite European opposition has improved both her tactical awareness and confidence in possession.

West Ham have occasionally lacked natural width in recent seasons, particularly when attempting to break down organised defensive teams. Riesen’s overlapping runs and willingness to attack could provide an entirely new dimension to the Hammers’ left side.

If she adapts quickly to English football, she has the potential to become one of the WSL’s most consistent attacking full-backs.

Constance Picaud strengthens the West Ham spine

Every successful team is built upon a dependable goalkeeper. West Ham will hope Constance Picaud can provide the stability that has occasionally been missing in recent seasons.

The French international joins from Fleury after establishing herself as one of Division 1 Féminine’s most reliable goalkeepers. Having consistently performed against some of Europe’s strongest attacking players, she arrives with both confidence and valuable experience.

Shot-stopping remains Picaud’s greatest strength. She reacts quickly in one-on-one situations, positions herself intelligently and rarely allows rebounds into dangerous areas. Those qualities alone should help West Ham reduce the number of goals conceded during difficult periods of matches.

However, modern goalkeeping extends far beyond making saves. Managers increasingly expect goalkeepers to initiate attacks and remain composed when playing with the ball at their feet. Picaud has developed those qualities throughout her career, demonstrating confidence in possession and an ability to distribute accurately over both short and long distances.

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Her command of the penalty area is another important attribute. Whether dealing with crosses or organising defenders during set-pieces, Picaud communicates constantly with those in front of her. That leadership will be particularly valuable within a defence that has undergone significant changes this summer.

One area where she has improved considerably over recent seasons is decision-making. Rather than rushing from her line unnecessarily, Picaud now chooses her moments carefully, showing greater maturity and composure under pressure.

Goalkeepers are often judged by consistency rather than spectacular moments, and that is exactly what West Ham will expect from their new number one. If she can produce reliable performances week after week while helping organise the defence, she could quietly become one of the club’s most important players.

With experienced defenders like Codina and Cascarino in front of her, Picaud has every opportunity to help build a defensive unit capable of competing with the strongest attacks in the WSL.

Katie Zelem brings leadership and control

Few players among the West Ham Women signings arrive with as much WSL experience as Katie Zelem. Although her move feels less like a new signing after spending the second half of last season at the club, making her deal permanent could prove to be one of West Ham’s smartest pieces of business this summer.

Zelem has built her reputation over the last decade as one of England’s most technically gifted midfielders. Having captained Manchester United for several seasons, she understands the responsibility that comes with leading a dressing room and setting standards both on and off the pitch. Leadership has occasionally been lacking within the West Ham squad, making her presence just as valuable away from matchdays as it is during games.

The midfielder has never relied on explosive pace or physical dominance. Instead, her greatest strength is her football intelligence. She consistently positions herself in areas where she can receive possession. From there, she can dictate the tempo of matches and move opponents around with intelligent passing. Few English midfielders are as comfortable controlling games from deep positions.

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Perhaps her standout attribute is her passing range. Whether switching play with accurate diagonal balls or threading passes through defensive lines, Zelem has the ability to accelerate attacks without forcing difficult situations. That composure should allow West Ham to enjoy more sustained periods of possession than they managed last season.

Her quality from dead-ball situations is another significant asset. Throughout her career, she has regularly created goals from corners, free-kicks and wide deliveries. This provides an additional attacking weapon against organised defences. Given West Ham’s increased height following this summer’s defensive recruitment, her set-piece delivery could become even more dangerous.

Defensively, Zelem is an intelligent rather than aggressive midfielder. She reads passing lanes well, intercepts possession and helps organise teammates rather than relying on crunching tackles. That positional discipline should complement more energetic midfield partners who can press further up the pitch.

Importantly, she already understands Guarino’s expectations after spending several months working under the Italian coach. While many new arrivals require time to adapt, Zelem can immediately help teammates settle into the tactical system.

If she remains fit throughout the season, there is every chance she becomes one of West Ham’s most influential players and perhaps the heartbeat of the side.

Sienna Wareing represents the next generation

West Ham’s recruitment has not focused solely on experienced internationals. The arrival of Sienna Wareing demonstrates the club’s commitment to developing young English talent capable of contributing both now and in the future.

Joining from Manchester United, Wareing arrives after progressing through one of the country’s strongest academy systems. Manchester United have invested heavily in youth development over recent years. The academy produces technically accomplished players who understand positional play and tactical discipline from an early age.

Although first-team opportunities proved limited due to the strength of United’s senior squad, Wareing consistently impressed at youth level with her maturity on the ball and willingness to take responsibility in midfield.

Technically, she is a composed central midfielder who rarely wastes possession. She prefers simple, intelligent passes that maintain her team’s rhythm rather than attempting ambitious balls at every opportunity. That decision-making is often overlooked in younger players but is one of the qualities coaches value most.

Her energy is another major strength. Wareing covers large areas of the pitch, presses aggressively when possession is lost and supports attacks by making late runs into dangerous areas. Modern midfielders are expected to contribute in every phase of play, and Wareing already demonstrates many of those characteristics.

Of course, moving from academy football to the WSL presents an enormous challenge. The pace, physicality and consistency required at senior level are vastly different. However, Guarino has shown throughout her coaching career that she is willing to trust talented young players if they earn opportunities through hard work.

Rather than expecting Wareing to become an immediate starter, West Ham are likely to view this season as an opportunity for gradual development. Training daily alongside experienced players such as Katie Zelem should accelerate her progress considerably.

If she continues developing at her current rate, Wareing could become an important member of West Ham’s midfield for many years to come.

Niamh Peacock has the platform to fulfil her potential

Like Wareing, Niamh Peacock joins after developing within one of England’s elite academies.

Leaving Arsenal is never an easy decision, but opportunities at clubs competing for major honours can be difficult to secure for young players. West Ham therefore offers Peacock something every talented prospect needs: a genuine pathway into first-team football.

Technically, Peacock is comfortable operating in several midfield roles. Whether asked to sit deeper and recycle possession or play further forward supporting attacks, she demonstrates an impressive understanding of space and movement.

One of her strongest qualities is her composure under pressure. Rather than rushing decisions when opponents close her down, Peacock remains calm and often finds clever passing angles that allow her team to retain possession.

Her tactical education at Arsenal is also significant. Arsenal’s academy places considerable emphasis on positional play, pressing structures and technical development. This means Peacock arrives with an excellent footballing foundation despite her young age.

Physically, adapting to regular WSL football will undoubtedly be one of her biggest challenges. However, additional experience and exposure to senior football should naturally improve that aspect of her game over time.

West Ham supporters should not expect Peacock to dominate matches immediately. Instead, her progress is likely to come steadily as she gains confidence and experience. If managed carefully, she possesses the qualities required to become an important creative midfielder in the coming seasons.

Kelly Gago offers flexibility across the front line

One of West Ham’s most intriguing additions is French forward Kelly Gago, who arrives after her spell at Everton.

Although her statistics alone may not immediately capture attention, football is rarely judged purely by goals. Gago brings qualities that can significantly improve the overall balance of West Ham’s attack.

Versatility is perhaps her greatest strength. She is capable of operating as a central striker, supporting forward, second striker or wide attacker depending on tactical requirements. That flexibility gives Guarino numerous options when adjusting systems throughout matches.

Technically, Gago is an intelligent footballer who links play well between midfield and attack. She enjoys dropping into pockets of space to receive possession before turning quickly towards goal or bringing teammates into the game.

Her movement without the ball is equally impressive. Rather than remaining static between centre-backs, she constantly drifts into wide channels, dragging defenders out of position and creating space for others to exploit.

Although she may not possess the explosive pace of Ebony Salmon, Gago compensates through clever positioning and excellent anticipation inside the penalty area. She often arrives in goalscoring positions before defenders react, making her particularly dangerous when attacking crosses.

Another underrated aspect of her game is her defensive contribution. Guarino demands collective pressing from the front, and Gago’s work rate fits perfectly within that philosophy. She consistently closes down defenders, forcing hurried clearances and helping her team regain possession higher up the pitch.

There is every chance that Gago becomes one of those players whose overall contribution exceeds her goal tally. Intelligent movement, tactical flexibility and relentless work ethic often make forwards invaluable even when they are not scoring every week.

Ebony Salmon could transform West Ham’s attack

Among all the West Ham Women signings, Ebony Salmon may ultimately prove to be the player who changes the club’s fortunes most dramatically.

West Ham struggled for goals throughout large periods of last season. While they often competed well defensively, converting opportunities into victories proved difficult. Salmon arrives with the ability to solve that problem.

The England international first emerged as one of the country’s brightest young forwards during her breakthrough at Bristol City. Her performances quickly attracted widespread attention thanks to her explosive pace and fearless attacking style before earning moves to Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League and later Aston Villa.

Throughout every stage of her career, one quality has remained constant: defenders simply dislike playing against her.

Salmon’s pace forces defensive lines deeper because opponents know she can exploit even the smallest amount of space behind them. That alone changes matches. Teams sitting deeper naturally create more room for West Ham’s midfielders to receive possession and dictate play.

However, describing Salmon purely as a fast striker would be doing her a disservice.

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Over recent seasons she has developed into a much more complete forward. Her movement inside the penalty area has become significantly more intelligent, while her finishing has improved under pressure. She now demonstrates greater composure when presented with goalscoring opportunities instead of relying solely on instinct.

Salmon is also capable of playing across the entire front line. Although naturally most dangerous through the middle, she can comfortably operate from either wing before cutting inside onto goal. That versatility should provide Guarino with greater tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.

Her pressing from the front is another major asset. Modern football increasingly demands forwards who defend aggressively, and Salmon consistently works hard without possession. She closes defenders quickly, forces mistakes and prevents opponents building comfortably from the back.

Injury setbacks have occasionally interrupted her momentum during previous seasons, meaning consistency will be the biggest challenge moving forward. If West Ham can keep her fit and create regular opportunities through improved midfield creativity, there is every reason to believe she can enjoy one of the best goalscoring seasons of her career.

Reaching double figures in league goals is certainly a realistic target.

Oona Siren’s new contract underlines West Ham’s long-term vision

While the summer recruitment has understandably attracted most of the headlines, West Ham have also secured an important piece of business by tying midfielder Oona Siren to a new contract. 

The Finland international enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough campaign in Claret and Blue after arriving from Norwegian side LSK Kvinner in 2024. Siren developed into one of Guarino’s most reliable performers, featuring regularly in midfield before being voted the Club’s Hammer of the Year by supporters. She also collected West Ham’s Goal of the Season award after her stunning strike against London City Lionesses earned the Barclays WSL Goal of the Month award. 

Rewarding the 25-year-old with a new deal reflects more than just recognition for an excellent individual season. It demonstrates the club’s commitment to retaining players who have already embraced Guarino’s philosophy. The club is also building a squad capable of growing together over the coming years. As experienced internationals arrive this summer, keeping established performers such as Siren provides valuable continuity within a rapidly evolving squad.

For West Ham supporters, Siren’s contract extension may prove just as significant as some of the club’s new signings. Securing one of last season’s standout performers ensures the Hammers retain a technically gifted, energetic midfielder. Siren appears capable of playing a central role in the club’s ambitions to climb the WSL table.

Can these signings transform West Ham?

Recruiting ten new players during one transfer window inevitably carries risks.

Building relationships across the pitch takes time. Defenders must develop understanding with goalkeepers. Midfielders need to learn each other’s movements, while forwards require time to establish chemistry.

However, unlike previous recruitment drives, there appears to be a clear strategy behind every arrival.

The defence has gained international quality through Laia Codina, Estelle Cascarino, Alice Sombath and Nadine Riesen, while Constance Picaud provides reassurance between the posts.

Midfield now combines Katie Zelem’s experience with the youthful promise of Sienna Wareing and Niamh Peacock.

Further forward, Kelly Gago and Ebony Salmon significantly improve West Ham’s attacking options, giving Guarino greater flexibility depending on the opposition.

Crucially, competition for places has increased throughout the squad. Players who were almost guaranteed starters last season must now consistently perform to retain their positions, something that should naturally raise standards across the entire club.

Expectations for the 2026/27 season

Breaking into the WSL’s established top four remains an enormous challenge given the financial power and squad depth of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Nevertheless, West Ham should now be targeting far more than survival.

A comfortable mid-table finish appears a realistic expectation, while pushing towards the top six is certainly achievable if the squad adapts quickly.

The quality added during this transfer window suggests West Ham have finally assembled a squad capable of competing consistently against clubs around them rather than merely reacting to difficult circumstances.

Perhaps most importantly, supporters finally have genuine reasons for optimism.

The West Ham Women signings completed this summer have not simply added numbers to the squad. They have added international experience, leadership, technical quality, tactical intelligence and genuine competition throughout every position.

If Rita Guarino succeeds in moulding these individuals into a cohesive unit, the 2026/27 campaign could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for West Ham Women. One in which the club is recognised not for battling relegation, but for establishing itself as a genuine force in the WSL.

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