West Ham United Women are undergoing one of the most significant periods of change in recent years after confirming a series of departures while simultaneously strengthening key areas of the squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The Hammers have announced that Shelina Zadorsky, Verena Hanshaw, Camila Sáez, Soraya Walsh and Emily Taylor-Brown will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of June. Defender Estelle Cascarino will also return to Juventus following the conclusion of her loan spell, while captain Katrina Gorry is set to depart after her previously announced exit.
However, the story of West Ham’s summer is not solely about players moving on. The arrivals of France international goalkeeper Constance Picaud and England midfielder Katie Zelem signal the beginning of Rita Guarino’s next phase as she looks to shape the squad in her own image.
Shelina Zadorsky Leaves After Becoming a Defensive Leader
Among the departing players, few exits carry as much significance as that of Shelina Zadorsky.
The Canada international joined West Ham on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2024 before making the move permanent later that year. During her two-and-a-half years in east London, she developed into one of the club’s most influential figures both on and off the pitch.
Zadorsky was appointed vice-captain ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and played a central role in one of the strongest periods in the club’s Women’s Super League history. Across 50 appearances in all competitions, she provided leadership, consistency and experience to the back line.
Her impact extended beyond matchdays. The defender was recognised with the club’s Players’ Project Award during the 2025-26 season for her work supporting the West Ham Foundation and wider community initiatives.
Replacing a player of Zadorsky’s influence will be one of the biggest challenges facing the club this summer.
Verena Hanshaw and Camila Sáez Move On
Austria international Verena Hanshaw also departs after making a positive contribution following her arrival from Roma in January 2025.
The full-back quickly adapted to life in England, registering three assists during her first half-season before making a further 21 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. She also scored her first goal for the club against Leicester City and established herself as a dependable option across the defensive line.
Meanwhile, Chile international Camila Sáez leaves after spending the majority of last season on loan at Bristol City. The defender made 18 appearances for the Robins during the 2025-26 campaign, contributing two goals and two assists while gaining valuable experience. Although opportunities at West Ham were limited, Sáez departs with an impressive international résumé and experience across multiple leagues.
Academy Graduates Continue Their Journeys
The departures of Soraya Walsh and Emily Taylor-Brown underline the competitive pathway from academy football to the Women’s Super League.
Walsh made her senior debut in the Women’s League Cup and spent time developing through loan spells at Billericay Town, Watford and Hashtag United during her years at the club.
Taylor-Brown, meanwhile, featured twice for the senior side before joining AFC Wimbledon on an Academy Development Registration deal. The young forward played an important role as Wimbledon secured safety and reached the Capital Women’s Cup final.
While neither player became first-team regulars, their departures reflect the difficult decisions clubs often face when balancing youth development with top-flight ambitions.
Estelle Cascarino Returns to Juventus
French defender Estelle Cascarino will return to Juventus after a productive loan spell in east London. The centre-back arrived in January 2026 and made 12 appearances across all competitions, helping West Ham record four clean sheets during the second half of the campaign.
One of her standout performances came away at Liverpool in April when she earned Player of the Match honours in a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Although her stay was relatively brief, Cascarino’s departure leaves another vacancy in defence that may require attention during the transfer window.
Constance Picaud Strengthens the Goalkeeping Department
While experienced players are leaving, West Ham have already begun reinforcing the squad. The club recently announced the signing of France international goalkeeper Constance Picaud from Première Ligue side Fleury on a three-year contract.
Picaud arrives with a strong reputation in French football after captaining Fleury and helping the club secure consecutive fifth-place finishes in the top division. Across 40 appearances, she kept 19 clean sheets and established herself as one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers.
The 27-year-old also brings significant international experience. She has earned 14 caps for France and has been included in squads for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Before joining Fleury, Picaud enjoyed successful spells with Le Havre and Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Coupe de France twice during her time in Paris while also gaining UEFA Women’s Champions League experience. For Guarino, the signing adds both quality and leadership to an evolving squad.
Katie Zelem Arrives Permanently After Successful Loan Spell
West Ham have also secured one of their most important pieces of business by signing Katie Zelem on a permanent basis. The England international has signed a three-year contract until 2029 after impressing during her time at the club following her departure from London City Lionesses.
Zelem’s arrival provides a crucial boost in midfield, particularly following the departure of captain Katrina Gorry.
The experienced midfielder brings more than 150 Women’s Super League appearances and a wealth of experience gained at Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus and Angel City FC.
Her relationship with Guarino was also a key factor in the move. The pair previously worked together at Juventus, and that familiarity should help accelerate West Ham’s development under the Italian coach.
Leadership, composure and tactical intelligence have long been hallmarks of Zelem’s game, qualities that could prove invaluable as the squad enters a period of transition.
A Defining Summer for Rita Guarino
Guarino appears focused on bringing in footballers who can contribute immediately while also helping establish the culture and standards required for long-term progress. The departures of key figures create challenges, but they also provide opportunities to evolve.
With further recruitment expected and several important positions still to address, West Ham’s transfer window is far from complete. However, one thing is already clear: the club is entering a new chapter.
Whether this summer becomes a turning point for the Hammers will depend on how successfully the incoming players can help replace the influence, leadership and quality of those moving on. For now, the foundations of West Ham’s next era are beginning to take shape.
Source: West Ham United
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