West Ham United Women have completed the permanent signing of experienced midfielder Katie Zelem following her spell with the club during the second half of the season.
The England international joins the Hammers on a three-year contract running until June 2029 after departing London City Lionesses. Zelem brings significant experience at both domestic and international level, having previously played for Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, Angel City FC, and West Ham United.
The midfielder made more than 160 appearances for Manchester United and established herself as one of the most experienced players in the Women’s Super League during her career.
Katie Zelem Reunites with Rita Guarino
Zelem already shares a strong relationship with West Ham United Women head coach Rita Guarino following their time together at Juventus. The midfielder admitted that familiarity with Guarino helped her settle quickly after returning to the club.
“She’s seen me grow from a 21-year-old into a 30-year-old, and we have a great relationship and level of trust both on and off the pitch,” Zelem said.
That existing connection is expected to play an important role as West Ham continue building under Guarino ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Experience and Leadership Key for West Ham
West Ham United Women believe Zelem’s experience and leadership qualities will be crucial during an important transition period for the squad. Across her career, the midfielder has made more than 150 Women’s Super League appearances and won multiple league titles, bringing valuable winning experience to the West Ham side.
Guarino praised Zelem’s impact both on and off the pitch after confirming the permanent signing. The West Ham head coach highlighted the midfielder’s professionalism, leadership, and ability to raise standards within the squad, describing her presence as a major asset for the club moving forward.
Zelem is expected to become one of the central figures in West Ham’s rebuild as the Hammers prepare for a busy summer transfer window.
West Ham United Women Departures
West Ham United Women have already confirmed several significant departures ahead of the new season.
Forward Shekiera Martinez has left the club to join Tottenham Hotspur after attracting widespread interest following her impressive performances in the Women’s Super League. Martinez scored 20 goals in 42 appearances after arriving in 2024 and quickly established herself as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players.
Club captain Katrina Gorry will also depart following the expiration of her contract. The Australia international explained that leaving West Ham was the best decision for her family after making more than 50 appearances for the Hammers.
Assistant manager Steve Kirby has also moved on. Kirby briefly took charge of the team during the Women’s League Cup quarter-final against Manchester City following the departure of former head coach Rehanne Skinner before Rita Guarino’s appointment.
Important Summer Ahead for the Hammers
With several experienced players leaving and Rita Guarino beginning to shape the squad in her image, West Ham United Women are entering one of the most important transfer windows in recent years.
The permanent signing of Katie Zelem provides leadership, composure, and experience in midfield, but further reinforcements are expected as the Hammers look to build a more competitive squad for the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season.
West Ham supporters can expect more transfer activity in the coming weeks as the club continues its summer rebuild.
Source: West Ham United Women
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