West Ham bid a fond farewell to seven players this transfer window, including Captain Mackenzie Arnold.
Mackenzie Arnold, Hawa Cissoko, Honoka Hayashi, Risa Shimizu, Emma Snerle, Abbey-Leigh Stringer and Mel Filis have departed the club on the expiration of their contracts at the end of June.
Mackenzie Arnold
Perhaps the largest shock to West Ham was the CommBank Matildas goalkeeper, Arnold, saying goodbye to the club.
Joining the club in July 2020, Arnold saw the highs and the lows of the club, joining them in the ecstasy of their first ever victory against Arsenal, and this season, facing their sobering 11th place finish alongside her teammates.
While it was not her strongest season at West Ham, Arnold kept two clean sheets in the 2023-24 campaign and had new faces to welcome in the winter transfer window, with the likes of Kristie Mewis, Shelina Zadorsky and Katrina Gorry joining the Hammers.
The Australia international made 90 appearances for the club, leaving her to fall into third place in the all-time appearance records.
It has now been confirmed that she will be joining the Portland Thorns in the NWSL.
Hawa Cissoko
Cissoko, who signed in 2021, will also be taking her leave of the club.
Helping the Hammers to their first ever victory over Arsenal in their 2-1 home win, the defender and vice captain has made 83 appearances for the club across all competitions.
It is yet to be confirmed where the 27-year-old will continue her career.
She spoke out on social media about her departure: “To all the West Ham fans, I don’t even know what so say to be honest, you have been incredible, supporting me everyday from my first to my last game, on bad and on the best days.
“You will all have a special space in my heart forever.”
Honoka Hayashi
Japan international Hayashi totalled 50 appearances for the club in her two years spent with the Hammers.
The midfielder has 29 caps for the Japan international team and played in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
She is yet to reveal her next steps in terms of her club football career.
Previously having played for Swedish side AIK Fotboll, she may be looking overseas once again.
Risa Shimizu
Joining in 2022, Shimizu signed a two year contract and made 54 appearances across all competitions for West Ham.
The right-back played every minute for the club during the 2023/24 WSL campaign and her efforts have been recognised by Manchester City as shown by their interest in her this transfer window.
The Japan international has now officially signed for City until 2027.
Emma Snerle
The Danish midfielder joined the Irons in 2022, scoring her first goal in April that year.
Snerle made 39 appearances after starting her time at the club being out on injury.
She became unavailable for six months but her Champions League experience was later put to good use upon her return.
She gained this experience through previously having played for Danish side, Fortuna Hjørring, where she earned minutes playing in the top flight of women’s football.
She has not confirmed where she will play next.
Abbey-Leigh Stringer
Stringer, however, has announced her departure to DC Power.
Having made 50 appearances, the midfielder joined West Ham in 2021 and now has her sights set on the USL Super League.
Stringer has made appearances for the Lionesses at Under-17s up to Under-23s level and has played for fellow WSL clubs Aston Villa and Everton in the past.
Mel Filis
On the expiration of her contract, Mel Filis has also left the club.
The young midfielder has been on loan with Charlton Athletic since January, scoring three goals in her 10 appearances for the club.
She has previously played for Arsenal and the London Bees but it has not been disclosed where she will go next.
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