West Ham sign Kelly Gago and Estelle Cascarino

West Ham United have bolstered their squad with the signings of forward Kelly Gago from Everton and defender Estelle Cascarino, who has made her loan move from Juventus permanent. Both players have signed three-year contracts with the Hammers.

Kelly Gago joins from Everton

Gago, 27, arrives from Everton in what the Merseyside club describes as a club-record sale. The France international scored eight Women's Super League goals for Everton after joining from Nantes in 2024 and has netted three times for her country. Her transfer fee was not disclosed, but it is understood that her contract contained a release clause of around £500,000. However, that clause was not triggered; instead, West Ham agreed a lower fee with Everton. Sources indicate that the fee could increase if certain add-ons are met, and Everton are expected to make a significant profit on the amount they paid for Gago in 2024.

In January, then-Everton manager Brian Sorensen stated that Gago was "free to go" if another club met the release clause. Gago expressed her delight at joining West Ham, saying: "I'm very happy to be joining West Ham United. The family feel of the club really appealed to me and I'm excited to join that family. I'm going to give everything in order to help the team reach our ambitions."

Estelle Cascarino makes move permanent

Cascarino, 29, has also signed a three-year deal after spending the second half of last season on loan at West Ham from Juventus. During her loan spell, the France international made 12 appearances in all competitions. "I feel really happy to be back at West Ham United," Cascarino said. "I made the decision quickly that I wanted to be back here permanently. From the beginning, this club has felt like home. I enjoyed every minute of my time here."

The additions of Gago and Cascarino strengthen West Ham's squad as they prepare for the upcoming WSL season. Both players bring international experience and are expected to play key roles under new management.