West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Spain defender Laia Codina from Arsenal on a three-year contract.
The 26-year-old gives Rita Guarino a proven World Cup winner for the 2026/27 Barclays Women’s Super League season.
West Ham announced the deal on Friday. Codina moves across London after her Arsenal contract came to an end.
The centre-back arrives with elite pedigree. She won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Spain and collected major club honours during spells with Barcelona and Arsenal.
West Ham said the transfer will be completed on 1 July 2026, once her Arsenal terms formally expire.
Codina Arrival Strengthens Guarino’s West Ham Rebuild
The move matters because West Ham Women are not just adding depth.
Codina brings top-level Champions League experience, international authority and the profile of a defender comfortable building play from the back.
For Guarino, that matters before a campaign where the Hammers need a clearer defensive identity.
Codina’s previous experience in Spain, Italy and England should make her one of the most senior voices in the dressing room quickly.
ReadWestHam has already covered how West Ham’s wider summer schedule is starting to take shape, and this signing gives the women’s side another clear statement before the new season.
Codina’s Arsenal spell brought 58 appearances in all competitions. She also helped the Gunners win the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Women’s League Cup.
That winning CV matters.
West Ham have moved early for a defender with serious pedigree, and the three-year contract gives the club a long runway to build around her.
