West Ham sign Norway international Tuva Hansen from Bayern Munich | OneFootball

Tuva Hansen. Credit: West Ham

West Ham have announced the signing of Norway international Tuva Hansen from Bayern Munich.

She becomes the Hammers’ third permanent signing of the January window after Rebekah Dowsett and Ria Bose, while Katie Zelem and Estelle Cascarino have also joined the club on loan.

Tuva Hansen explains decision to join West Ham

The 28-year-old defender joins West Ham after three years with German giants Bayern Munich.

She swaps from a side playing Champions League football, to one locked in a WSL relegation battle, with just two points separating Leicester City, Everton, the Hammers and Liverpool.

Speaking to West Ham’s official website, Hansen said she wanted to test herself against the “best teams in the world”.

She said: “I’m really happy to be joining West Ham United,” she said. “It feels like a dream come true. I’m a natural leader. I want to bring my experience and winning mentality to help the team as much as possible.

“The WSL has grown a lot over the last couple of years so I’m excited by the challenge and to test myself against the best teams in the world.

“I’ve heard a lot about how special West Ham is – it’s a big Club with a rich history and I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career.”

Hansen’s career so far

Hansen comes from a footballing family, with her father, brother and sister all playing the game professionally.

She spent a decade in her native Norway, playing for clubs including Klepp, Arna-Bjornar and SK Brann.

After captaining SK Brann to back-to-back league titles, she joined Bayern Munich in January 2023.

Hansen made 76 appearances for Bayern Munich, winning three Frauen-Bundesliga titles.

However, after making 33 outings last season, she struggled to get regular playing time this season, with just six appearances.

Hansen has also made 60 appearances for Norway, with her international highlight being a stunning goal against Belgium to send her country to the 2023 World Cup.

What is next for West Ham?

West Ham are already showing improvements under new manager Rita Guarino, winning their first away game in the WSL against Leicester City.

The Hammers will hope to make it back-to-back wins when they face Tottenham on Sunday.

Guarino’s side have a big run of games coming up, which also includes a home meeting with Brighton, and an away trip to relegation rivals Everton.

The WSL January transfer window closes on February 2nd.