Defender Cascarino joins West Ham in permanent deal
West Ham United have strengthened their women’s squad by signing Everton forward Kelly Gago and making Estelle Cascarino’s loan spell permanent. The deals add proven international experience and address attacking and defensive options ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.
Gago, 27, has agreed a three-year contract after scoring eight WSL goals for Everton since joining from Nantes in 2024; Everton describe the undisclosed fee as a club-record sale, with add-ons possible. Her reported £500,000 release clause was not triggered, while Cascarino, 29, has also signed for three years after making 12 appearances during a half-season loan from Juventus.
In short
- West Ham sign Kelly Gago from Everton on a three-year deal.
- Everton’s sale fee is a club record, with potential add-ons.
- Estelle Cascarino joins permanently after a successful loan spell.
Explained simply
West Ham United is a professional women's football club based in London that competes in England's Women's Super League. The WSL is the top division of women's football in England, where clubs compete for the league title and cup honours each season.
Kelly Gago and Estelle Cascarino are experienced international players who have played at top European clubs. Gago is a forward known for her goal-scoring ability, whilst Cascarino is a defender. Both have extensive international experience and have competed in top-tier competitions across Europe.
Clubs invest in their squads before each season begins to strengthen their teams and compete effectively against rivals. Adding experienced international players typically reflects a club's ambition to perform well in league and cup competitions during the coming campaign.