West Ham United Women kick off their 2026/27 Women's Super League season with a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. The club has also been active in the transfer market, bringing in three notable players to bolster Rita Guarino's squad for the campaign ahead.
According to an opponent preview from Tottenham Hotspur's official website, three summer arrivals are expected to be key for the Hammers. Spanish defender Laia Codina joined from Arsenal, bringing a wealth of experience including a World Cup win and multiple Champions League titles. Her composure in possession is seen as a major asset for building play from the back.
Midfielder Katie Zelem made her loan move from London City Lionesses permanent after joining initially in January 2026. The 30-year-old England international offers versatility and leadership, having previously captained Manchester United to an FA Cup victory. Striker Kelly Gago arrives from Everton, where she scored 10 goals in 30 WSL appearances, adding physicality and pace to the attacking line alongside international teammate Viviane Asseyi.
The New York Times reported a significant shift in the club's ownership structure this week. Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has agreed to a deal that will increase his stake from 27 percent to 46 percent, making him the largest single shareholder. In a statement released on Friday, Kretinsky said he was "deeply honoured" and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the increased holding.
Existing shareholder David Sullivan has also increased his stake to 40 percent, while Tripp Smith now holds 11 percent. This agreement concludes a period of uncertainty following Vanessa Gold's inheritance of a 25.1 percent stake, which had been subject to a pre-emption process involving other interested parties, including a consortium led by Amanda Staveley. The deal provides clarity for the club's future direction.
West Ham's first match of the new WSL season is a trip to face Tottenham Hotspur at Brisbane Road. The match kicks off at 12:00 PM local time on Saturday. The fixture is a traditional London derby and presents an immediate test for Guarino's reshaped side.
Tottenham have also strengthened over the summer, bringing in players like Kirsty Hanson, which suggests a competitive encounter to start the campaign. For fans looking to follow the team's progress, the full fixtures list for the season is available. The current standings show West Ham aiming to improve on their 10th-place finish from last term.
The Hammers finished 10th in the 2025/26 Women's Super League table, but showed marked improvement in the second half of the season under head coach Rita Guarino. This form has created a platform for the team to build upon, with the new signings intended to address key areas. Guarino is now in her first full season in charge and will be looking to implement her style more completely.
The club's recruitment strategy appears focused on adding proven WSL experience and international quality, which should help in tight matches. Integrating the new players quickly will be important for a positive start. The team's defensive record and goal-scoring statistics from last season can be reviewed in detail on our stats page.
West Ham United Women's next match after the Tottenham opener is a home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion Women on September 14th.
