West Ham United sign London City Lionesses midfielder Zelem on permanent deal | OneFootball

West Ham United have completed the signing of London City Lionesses midfielder Katie Zelem on a permanent deal.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Hammers this afternoon.

The 30-year-old joins West Ham United off the back of a successful half-season loan spell at The Chigwell Construction Stadium. Zelem made nine appearances for the East Londoners in the second half of the campaign as the club sealed their place in the Barclays Women’s Super League for another year.

Zelem has bags of experience and she will be a solid addition to the West Ham United squad for next season.

After signing for West Ham United on a permanent basis, Zelem said “I’m so excited to be joining West Ham United on a permanent basis. From the moment I arrived, I felt so welcome and appreciated – West Ham feels like home. I’ve found a second family here and that made this decision a lot easier.

“I’m really comfortable here and I’m able to be my true authentic self. That allows me to give my best to the team in every game and make the impact that I know that I can.

“Being reunited with Rita [Guarino] has helped me settle into the Club too – it’s been amazing to reconnect. She’s seen me grow from a 21-year-old into a 30-year-old, and we have a great relationship and level of trust both on and off the pitch.

“On reflection, I think we had an exceptional second half of the season. We picked up important points and stayed focused on climbing the table, which shows the character of this group. We showed our potential and I’m looking forward to continuing that journey next season.”

Zelem is West Ham United’s first signing of the summer transfer window.