West Ham United Women have completed the signing of Switzerland international Nadine Riesen on a three-year contract, further underlining the club’s growing ambitions ahead of the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season.
The 26-year-old defender arrives following her departure from German side Eintracht Frankfurt and becomes Rita Guarino’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Katie Zelem, Constance Picaud and FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Laia Codina.
For a club that spent much of the past decade fighting to establish itself in the Women’s Super League, the latest transfer activity suggests West Ham are now aiming considerably higher.
Who Is Nadine Riesen?
Riesen arrives in East London with an impressive résumé that combines domestic success, UEFA Women’s Champions League experience and international pedigree.
The Swiss international began playing senior football at just 15 years old with FC St. Gallen before moving to BSC YB Frauen and later FC Zürich Frauen, where she enjoyed some of the most successful years of her career.
Alongside current West Ham teammate Seraina Piubel, Riesen helped Zürich win back-to-back Swiss league titles in 2022 and 2023, as well as the Swiss Cup. Her performances attracted the attention of Eintracht Frankfurt, where she continued her development in one of Europe’s strongest leagues.
During her two seasons in Germany, Riesen established herself as a regular first-team player, making 69 appearances and contributing nine assists from defence. Her ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch has become one of her defining qualities.
A Standout Summer For Club And Country
Riesen’s move to West Ham comes on the back of a memorable year internationally. The defender played a key role for Switzerland at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, featuring in all four matches during the tournament hosted on home soil.
She also scored Switzerland’s opening goal of the competition against Norway, further enhancing her reputation as an attacking full-back capable of delivering in major moments.
Since making her senior international debut in 2019, Riesen has earned more than 40 caps and developed into one of Switzerland’s most reliable performers. That international experience was a major factor behind West Ham’s pursuit.
Why Rita Guarino Wanted Nadine Riesen
Head coach Rita Guarino has made no secret of her desire to build a more dynamic and aggressive West Ham side. Riesen appears to fit that vision perfectly. Capable of operating as a traditional full-back or wing-back, she combines pace, attacking intent and relentless work rate with defensive discipline.
Guarino highlighted those qualities after the transfer was completed, describing Riesen as a player who works tirelessly for the team and possesses the mentality required to succeed in the Women’s Super League.
From a tactical perspective, her arrival gives West Ham another player capable of providing width, creating overloads in advanced areas and contributing to build-up play from deep. Those attributes are increasingly important in modern football and align closely with the style Guarino is attempting to implement.
Another Statement Signing For West Ham
The arrival of Riesen follows what has already been one of the most impressive transfer windows in the club’s recent history. Earlier this summer, West Ham secured one of the headline signings of the Women’s Super League transfer market by bringing in Spain international Laia Codina.
The World Cup winner joined from Arsenal and immediately became one of the most decorated players in the squad.
Codina’s arrival was viewed as a major statement of intent following the departures of experienced defenders Shelina Zadorsky, Verena Hanshaw, Camila Sáez and Estelle Cascarino.
The Spaniard brings elite-level experience gained at Barcelona, Arsenal and with Spain’s World Cup-winning national team.
Combined with the additions of goalkeeper Constance Picaud and former Manchester United captain Katie Zelem, West Ham’s recruitment strategy has focused on adding proven international quality across the spine of the team. Riesen now strengthens another key area while adding valuable experience from both the Bundesliga and international football.
What Nadine Riesen Said About Joining West Ham
Speaking after completing her move, Riesen revealed she was immediately attracted by the opportunity to play in England.
“When I heard about West Ham’s interest in me, I was super excited. It’s a huge club with a proud history and I’m very happy to be here.”
The defender also cited conversations with fellow Swiss international Seraina Piubel as an important factor in her decision. Riesen praised the atmosphere around the club and highlighted the Women’s Super League as one of the best competitions in world football.
Perhaps most significantly, she pointed to Rita Guarino’s vision for the team.
“I really like Rita’s ambition for the team. There is a lot of potential within this group and I hope that, together, we can achieve great things.”
Those comments reflect a growing belief that West Ham are building something capable of challenging higher up the table in the coming seasons.
Can West Ham Challenge For A Top-Half Finish?
While it remains too early to judge the success of any transfer window, West Ham’s recruitment has been notably strategic.
Rather than focusing solely on short-term solutions, the club has targeted players entering their prime years who bring significant experience from elite environments.
- Codina arrives as a World Cup winner.
- Zelem adds leadership and Women’s Super League know-how.
- Picaud brings international experience with France.
- Riesen contributes Champions League exposure, Bundesliga experience and proven versatility.
Collectively, these signings suggest West Ham are laying foundations for sustainable progress rather than simply aiming to avoid relegation. The challenge now will be integrating several high-profile arrivals into a cohesive unit capable of delivering consistent performances.
If Guarino succeeds, West Ham could emerge as one of the Women’s Super League’s most improved teams during the 2026-27 campaign.
West Ham Women Transfers 2026
Arrivals
- Nadine Riesen (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- Laia Codina (Arsenal)
- Katie Zelem (Manchester United)
- Constance Picaud
Key Departures
- Shelina Zadorsky
- Verena Hanshaw
- Camila Sáez
- Estelle Cascarino
Final Thoughts
Nadine Riesen may not arrive with the same global profile as Laia Codina, but her signing could prove equally important for West Ham’s long-term project.
The Swiss international offers quality, versatility and experience at the highest level while fitting the tactical identity Rita Guarino is working to establish.
Together with the club’s other summer additions, Riesen’s arrival sends a clear message: West Ham Women are no longer simply trying to survive in the Women’s Super League — they are trying to build a team capable of competing with the division’s established contenders.
Source: West Ham United
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