Why Laia Codina sees West Ham as the right next step

Laia Codina joined West Ham because she felt ready for a new challenge after three years at Arsenal, and because Rita Guarino’s plans convinced her the club’s project matched what she wanted next. The Spain defender leaves Arsenal having made 58 appearances and won major trophies with the club.

Codina’s Arsenal spell carried both sporting and personal weight: she was part of Champions League and League Cup success, and described the club as an important place in her life after moving away from family. But the 26-year-old felt the timing was right to step into a different role at a club trying to move upward in the Women’s Super League.

West Ham finished 10th last season and have been adding to their squad this summer, including Codina, Ebony Salmon, Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing. Guarino’s influence appears central: Codina highlighted the manager’s directness, expectations and desire to help her improve as key parts of the decision.

The move also keeps Codina in London, where she has already started pre-season and become involved with West Ham Foundation work in east London. On the pitch, the bigger question is whether West Ham can combine the defensive structure associated with Guarino’s early work with more confidence in possession this season.