LAIA CODINA JOINS WEST HAM FROM ARSENAL ON NEW PROJECT

Laia Codina has joined West Ham United from Arsenal on a transfer deal. The 26-year-old Spanish defender made 58 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal during a three-year spell at the club, during which she won the Champions League and League Cup. Codina told BBC Sport that she felt the moment was right to leave despite the difficulty of departing a club where she had found "a new family". She was a member of Spain's 2023 World Cup-winning squad.

Codina cited West Ham manager Rita Guarino as the primary factor in her decision. Guarino, appointed in December, impressed Codina during their first meeting with her honesty about her expectations and the direction of the club. West Ham finished 10th in the Women's Super League last season and have invested in their squad this summer beyond Codina's arrival. Forward Ebony Salmon joined from Aston Villa, whilst the club also signed young prospects Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing. West Ham have experienced relegation battles in recent years but Codina stated she was ready to be part of the club's improvement project.

Codina said she had won titles at previous clubs but sought a different challenge. She told BBC Sport she could see the direction West Ham intended to pursue under Guarino and was prepared for this next phase of her career. The transfer represents a significant investment in West Ham's playing squad as they attempt to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Women's Super League.