Alisha Lehmann sends message as WSL return finalised
West Ham Women confirmed the signing of Estelle Cascarino on Monday, who has joined the Hammers on loan from Juventus.
While West Ham men’s side are scrambling to find reinforcements this January, the women have now brought in a French international.
Cascarino has 17 caps for her country, and previously played in the WSL while on loan to Man United during the 2022-23 campaign.
Now, with West Ham at risk of relegation to the WSL2, Rita Guarino has brought in the defender to reinforce their backline, with Alisha Lehmann reacting to the news.
💬 “I want to play as quickly as possible and to see the fans. I’m so excited”
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) January 8, 2026
Estelle Cascarino’s first words as a Hammer ⚒️📺
Alisha Lehmann reacts as West Ham confirm signing of Estelle Cascarino
While Man City have been making moves in the hope of winning the WSL1 title, West Ham are desperate to retain their status as a top-flight club.
Currently, they sit just two points above the relegation play-off zone, with Liverpool bottom of the table on just three points.
With the Hammers having the worst defence in the division to date, there is now a hope that the experience of Cascarino can put an end to their leaky backline.
When West Ham announced the transfer on their Instagram on 8 January, multiple people reacted to the news, including former Juventus teammate Lehmann.
The Swiss international commented three fire emojis.
How are West Ham Women currently doing in the WSL1?
While David Sullivan has been accused of mismanagement at West Ham in recent years, he has taken steps in recent weeks to try and preserve their status in the WSL1.
Rehanne Skinner was sacked last month, and now Guarino has been backed with her first signing since moving to the East London club.
With the WSL1 set to restart on Sunday, the new manager will have a tough first game in charge as the Hammers prepare to face current Champions, Chelsea, at Kingsmeadow.
However, with a game against Leicester City following, there will be hope that Guarino can get a result against the Foxes and start to push the Hammers back up the table and away from the relegation playoff zone.