West Ham announce arrival of exciting Colombian forward

Colombia forward Manuela Pavi has penned a three-year deal with Women's Super League side West Ham United, keeping her in east London for the next three years.

The 23-year-old becomes Rehanne Skinner's sixth signing of the summer transfer window as the club gets ready to start the 2024/25 campaign in just a few weeks.

Pavi represented Colombia in all four of their matches at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring against France as the South American nation made it to the quarter-finals, losing on penalties to current world champions Spain.

The forward also represented her nation at the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup and has become a vital member of the national team despite her young age. At club level, Pavi began her career with Orsomarso Sportivo Clube before joining Deportivo Cali in 2020.

She has also featured for Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro before rejoining Las Azucareras earlier this year. Pavi will wear the number 11 shirt next season.

Speaking of her arrival, she said: "It's a dream come true to join West Ham United - I'm very grateful to be here. The fans can expect to have an extension of themselves on the pitch. I am like them, and I will fight for them and for my teammates to have a fantastic season together."

West Ham finished a disappointing 11th in the WSL last season, narrowly missing out on relegation. However, it's clear from her recruitment process this summer that manager Skinner is intent on improving.

The club have now made a total of six new signings, including Poland goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, Germany Under-19 forward Shekiera Martinez, Chile international Camila Saez, France Under-23 star Ines Belloumou and Canada's Shelina Zadorsky.

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