West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Spain centre-back Laia Codina from Arsenal, with the World Cup winner agreeing a contract until 2029.
The Hammers announced the deal on Friday, 19 June, adding a major piece of defensive experience to Rita Guarino’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League campaign. Codina arrives after leaving Arsenal at the end of the 2025/26 season, and the move keeps the 26-year-old in London after three years in north London.
West Ham said Codina has joined on a three-year contract, while the player described the club as an exciting project after speaking with Guarino. The defender pointed to the side’s recent growth and said she hopes to bring experience, professionalism and composure to the group, according to West Ham’s official announcement.
Codina gives West Ham proven title-winning experience
Codina’s CV is the headline detail for West Ham supporters. She was part of Spain’s 2023 World Cup-winning squad and also leaves Arsenal with major medals from her spell there, including the Women’s Champions League and domestic cup success.
Guarino called Codina a proven winner and highlighted her aggression, comfort in possession and communication from the back line. For a West Ham side looking to raise its WSL ceiling, that combination matters: Codina is not just a depth signing, but a defender with the authority to shape how the team builds play.
The timing also gives West Ham a clear early-summer statement. Before pre-season begins in full, the club have moved for a player who knows the league, has operated in high-pressure European and international environments, and should immediately sharpen competition across the defensive unit.
