West Ham United Confirm Seven Players Will Leave at Season’s End as Squad Rebuild Begins
West Ham United have confirmed that Shelina Zadorsky, Verena Hanshaw, Camila Sáez, Soraya Walsh, Emily Taylor-Brown, and Estelle Cascarino will depart the club when their contracts expire at the end of June, with captain Katrina Gorry’s exit bringing the total to seven, according to the club’s official statement. The departures mark the start of a significant restructuring under head coach Rita Guarino ahead of the 2026/27 season, as reported by West Ham’s official website.
Shelina Zadorsky’s Departure Marks End of an Era for Fans
Zadorsky, a Canadian international and former vice-captain, is among the most impactful players leaving. She joined West Ham on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2024 before a permanent move six months later, according to the club’s press release. The defender made 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring once in a League Cup match against Southampton in December 2024, and was named to the West Ham Foundation’s Players’ Project Award. Her departure leaves a void in leadership, with the club acknowledging her role as a “fan favourite,” as noted by *The Guardian*.
Verena Hanshaw and Camila Sáez Also Exit After Key Contributions
Hanshaw, an Austrian international, joined from AS Roma in January 2025 and contributed three assists in her first 12 matches, finishing with 33 appearances, two assists, and a goal against Leicester City, per the club’s match records. Sáez, a Chilean defender, spent two seasons with West Ham, making 14 appearances in her first year before a loan spell at Bristol City, where she scored two goals and provided two assists in 18 games, according to *Women’s Football Daily*.
Academy Products Soraya Walsh and Emily Taylor-Brown Move On
Walsh, an academy product, made one senior appearance during her four-year tenure, gaining experience through loan spells at Billericay Town, Watford, and Hashtag United, as detailed in her player profile. Taylor-Brown, who made two senior appearances, joined AFC Wimbledon on loan for the second half of the 2024/25 season, helping the club avoid relegation and reach the Capital Women’s Cup final, according to *Sky Sports*.
Estelle Cascarino Returns to Juventus After Loan Spell
French defender Estelle Cascarino’s loan from Juventus will conclude after a six-month stint, during which she made 12 appearances and played a key role in a defense that recorded four clean sheets, including a standout performance in a 1-0 win at Liverpool in April, as reported by *The Sun*.
Guarino Begins Rebuild Amid Leadership Losses
The departures of Gorry, Zadorsky, and Hanshaw represent a major shift for West Ham, who now face a critical transfer window to reshape their squad. Guarino, who took charge in 2024, will need to balance retaining core talent with integrating new players, according to *ESPN*. The club emphasized that the exits reflect “a transformative period” in its women’s program, with a focus on long-term development.
What’s Next for West Ham’s Women’s Team?
With the rebuilding phase underway, fans are closely watching how Guarino will address the gaps left by the departing players. The club has not yet announced specific transfer targets, but reports suggest a focus on younger, developing talent to complement existing stars like Rachel Daly and Elin Nygård. The 2026/27 season will be a pivotal test for the Hammers’ vision under Guarino.
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