Defender, Laia Codina has joined West Ham on a free transfer following her exit from Arsenal.
Codina has left the Gunners after she scored four goals in 58 appearances across three years, and will now move across London to join West Ham on a three-year contract until June 2029.
“I’m so happy to be joining West Ham United,” commented Codina to whufc.com as she spoke of the team’s progress under Rita Guarino who she knew from her time in Italy with AC Milan in 2021-22 season, during which Guarino was manager of their local rival – Inter Milan at the time.
“West Ham is a great Club and you can see the growth within the team over the last few years. I know Rita from her time in Italy and when we spoke, I was really excited by this project.”
Codina also spoke of her hope that she can use her experience to help improve the Hammers and embark on a new chapter in East London.
“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.”
Guarino is “delighted” to sign Codina who she believes brings proven winning mentality – having won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Spain then UEFA Women’s Champions League and FIFA Women’s Champions Cup with Arsenal.
“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.
“We’re excited to work with Laia and believe she has all the qualities needed to thrive in a West Ham United shirt.”
Codina’s transfer will be officially completed on 1 July 2026 once her contract at Arsenal has expired.