West Ham United have completed the signing of Spain international and FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Laia Codina on a three-year contract, adding one of Europe’s most experienced defenders to their squad ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.
The club confirmed the deal on Friday following Codina’s departure from Arsenal.
The 26-year-old centre-back arrives in east London with an impressive record at both club and international level, having won major honours with Barcelona, Arsenal and Spain. West Ham view the defender as a significant addition as they continue to strengthen under head coach Rita Guarino.
Codina joins the Hammers after spending three seasons with Arsenal, where she made 58 appearances in all competitions. During her time in north London, she helped the club win the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the Women’s League Cup.
Before moving to England in 2023, Codina established herself at Barcelona, where she won three Spanish league titles and two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies among seven major honours. She also gained valuable experience during a loan spell with AC Milan in Italy.
The defender is perhaps best known internationally for her role in Spain’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup triumph. Codina started all four of Spain’s knockout-stage matches, including the final against England, and scored in the round-of-16 victory over Switzerland.
Speaking after completing the move, Codina said she was excited by West Ham’s ambitions and believed the club’s project made it the right destination for the next stage of her career. She also highlighted her desire to bring experience and leadership to the squad.
“I hope to bring my experience both on and off the pitch. Coming through the Barcelona Academy helped develop my composure and my decision-making, and I pride myself on my professionalism and work ethic every day. I want to help the players around me and contribute to the team in any way that I can.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far in my career but I’m really excited for what’s ahead. I’m looking forward to meeting the team and I feel ready for this new chapter in east London.” Codina said.
Guarino welcomed the arrival of the Spanish international, describing her as a proven winner whose experience at the highest level would benefit the team. The West Ham head coach also praised Codina’s defensive qualities, leadership and ability to play out from the back.
“To have won both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Women’s Champions League is an outstanding achievement. She is a proven winner, and that mentality and experience will be a huge asset to this group.
“Laia is an aggressive defender who is comfortable dictating play from the back line, while her communication and leadership on the pitch are real strengths of her game.” Guarino said.
The signing comes during a period of change for West Ham’s women’s side. The club recently confirmed the departures of several defenders, creating a need for experienced reinforcements ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Shelina Zadorsky, Verena Hanshaw and Camila Sáez left upon the expiration of their contracts, while Estelle Cascarino returned to Juventus after her loan spell ended. In addition, midfielder and captain Katrina Gorry also departed when her contract expired.
