Laia Codina, the 26-year-old Spain international, has ended her three-year spell at Arsenal to join West Ham, citing the managerial plan and candidness of new coach Rita Guarino as the decisive factors in her switch.
Why Codina chose West Ham
Codina made 58 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal and was part of squads that won both the Champions League and the League Cup. A 2023 World Cup winner with Spain, she told BBC Sport that while Arsenal had become a “new family” for her, she felt the timing was right to move on.
"It's always difficult to leave a club. Arsenal has changed my life because it was the first time that I really went away from my family,"
She pointed to her initial meeting with Guarino — who took over West Ham in December — as pivotal. Codina said the coach’s clarity about expectations and development aligned with what she wants for the next stage of her career. She described Guarino as honest about what she wants from the player and the team and said that quality of communication was what she needs now.
What this means for West Ham
West Ham finished 10th in the Women’s Super League last season but have signalled a shift this summer with increased recruitment. Alongside Codina, the club signed forward Ebony Salmon from Aston Villa and added young prospects Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing. Critics have previously questioned the club’s transfer spending; this recruitment drive suggests a deliberate attempt to alter that perception.
- Experience added: Codina brings Champions League and domestic-cup-winning pedigree.
- Managerial influence: Guarino’s direct approach was central to the signing.
- Club strategy: West Ham are investing more this summer and blending experience with youth.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Arsenal appearances (all comps) | 58 |
| Major honours with Arsenal | Champions League, League Cup |
| International highlight | 2023 World Cup winner (Spain) |
Codina’s arrival underscores West Ham’s intent to change course after recent seasons in which they flirted with relegation. Whether the new signings and Guarino’s project can translate into higher WSL finishes will be a storyline to watch as the season unfolds. For Codina, the move represents both a professional challenge and a fresh environment she believes is aligned with her development goals.
Fans and observers will be watching how quickly the new recruits gel under Guarino and whether West Ham’s summer investments produce the upward trajectory the club is aiming for.
