West Ham United Women have completed the signing of Spain defender Laia Codina from Arsenal, the 26-year-old World Cup winner joining a club rebuilding under manager Rita Guarino this summer. Codina, who made 58 appearances for the Gunners and won the Champions League and League Cup, said the move felt like the right moment to embrace a new challenge.
Why the move to East London?
Codina admitted leaving Arsenal was tough because the club had become “my family” during her three-year spell. “The main reason it was difficult is because of the people that I met there,” she told BBC Sport. “Of course the fans were amazing with me. But I just had the feeling it was the right moment. My decision was clear.”
She highlighted Guarino’s honesty in their first conversation as the turning point. “I had my first conversation with Rita at the beginning of everything,” Codina said. “The feeling that I got in this meeting is what I want in my future. She was honest with me on everything - what she wants from me and what she wants from the team. We’re quite similar with that.”
What does Codina bring to West Ham?
The Spain international arrives at a club that finished 10th in the Women’s Super League last season and has begun to show signs of growth under Guarino. Codina stressed she wants to be part of the improvement, not just collect trophies. “I’ve been in some clubs where I have won titles, but I also want to be a part of this improvement in a team and in this project,” she said.
West Ham have invested this summer, adding Codina and forward Ebony Salmon from Aston Villa, plus young prospects Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing. Codina said she already feels at home after starting pre-season training this week.
How will West Ham play under Guarino?
Guarino took charge midway through last season and promised “step by step” progress, prioritising organisation and defensive stability. Codina expects that to shift this term. “Honestly, I think that we’re going to see a West Ham that the fans will be proud of,” she said. “It will be a recognisable West Ham - a team that can play football, and that will try to have the ball as much as possible.”
Codina added that Guarino’s clear communication and ambition convinced her to join. “With Rita, you could see their main characteristic was to defend, but I think this season we’re going to try to improve on the ball,” she said.
