Colombia striker Manuela Pavi has signed 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 prepare to start the 2024/25 campaign in just a few weeks.
Pavi represented Colombia in all four games at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring against France as the South American nation reached the quarter-finals, losing on penalties to reigning 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 started his career with Orsomarso Sportivo Clube before joining Deportivo Cali in 2020.
He also played for Atlético Mineiro in Brazil before returning to Les Azucareras earlier this year. Pavi will wear the number 11 shirt next season.
Speaking of his arrival, he said: “It’s a dream come true to join West Ham United. I’m so grateful to be here. The fans can look forward to having an extension of themselves on the pitch. I’m like them , and I will fight for them and for my teammates to have a great season together.”
West Ham finished a disappointing 11th in the WSL last season, they narrowly missed out on relegation. However, it is clear from her recruitment process this summer that manager Skinner intends to improve.
The club has made a total of six signings, including Polish goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, Germany U19 forward Shekiera Martinez, Chile international Camila Saez, France U23 star Ines Belloumou and Canada’s Shelina Zadorsky.
