by Staff Writer
Friday, 17th July 2026
West Ham United is pleased to confirm the signing of France international forward Kelly Gago from Barclays Women’s Super League rivals Everton on a three-year contract.
The 27-year-old arrives in east London as Rita Guarino’s ninth signing of the summer, bringing a wealth of experience, proven goalscoring pedigree and international quality to the Hammers' frontline.
A dynamic attacker capable of playing across the front line, Gago has built a reputation as a powerful and direct forward throughout her career. Her rise has taken her from the French domestic leagues to Italy's Serie A and the Women's Super League, with goals following at every stop along the way.
After beginning her career with VGA Saint-Maur and Dijon, Gago enjoyed a breakthrough spell at AS Saint-Étienne, scoring 44 goals in 91 appearances and helping guide the club to promotion to France’s top flight in 2020/21. Successful spells with Sampdoria and Parma followed, with Gago netting 15 goals in 30 matches for the latter before returning to France with Nantes.
Her performances earned a move to Everton in January 2025, where she quickly adapted to English football. Across a season and a half with the Toffees, Gago scored ten goals in 30 appearances, establishing herself as one of the league's most dangerous attacking threats. On the international stage, she has earned 14 caps for France, scored three goals and represented her country at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Speaking after completing her move, Gago said: “I’m thrilled to be joining West Ham United and becoming part of this project.
“The ambition of the Club really stood out to me, and I felt a strong connection from the very beginning.
“I want to help the team continue moving forward, contribute with goals and performances, and give everything for the badge every time I step onto the pitch.”
Gago's arrival provides Guarino with another versatile attacking option as preparations continue for the 2026/27 campaign. Comfortable operating as a central striker, second forward or from wider positions, her pace, movement and physical presence should make her a natural fit within the Head Coach's high-energy attacking system.
Having often favoured fluid forward lines and quick transitions, Guarino is expected to utilise Gago's ability to stretch defences, attack space in behind and press aggressively from the front. Her goalscoring instincts and experience at the highest level should also complement West Ham's existing attacking talent, adding another dimension to the side's offensive play.
Guarino said: “Kelly is a player whose development I have followed closely throughout her career.
“She combines pace, strength and technical quality with a strong mentality and a desire to improve.
“Her experience in France, Italy and England, together with her international pedigree, will bring added quality and competition to our attacking unit. We are excited to welcome her to West Ham United.”
With promotion-winning success in France, consistent goalscoring records across three countries and international experience with one of Europe's leading nations, Gago arrives in east London at the peak of her career and ready for a new challenge in Claret and Blue.
Everyone at West Ham United welcomes Kelly to the Club and wishes her every success during her time in east London.
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