West Ham sign forward Gago and defender Cascarino

BBC Sport women’s football news reporterPublished17 July 2026West Ham have signed Everton striker Kelly Gago and turned fellow France international Estelle Cascarino's loan move into a permanent deal.

Gago, 27, has signed a three-year deal with the Hammers and moves for what Everton says is a club record sale., external

She scored eight WSL goals for Everton after arriving from Nantes in 2024 and has three goals for France.

In January, then manager Brian Sorensen said Gago was "free to go" if another club offered the release clause fee in her contract.

It is understood her release clause was about £500,000, but this was not triggered in her sale to West Ham, who agreed a lower fee with Everton for the transfer.

Sources say the fee Everton received is expected to rise if add-ons are met and they have made a significant profit on the amount they paid for Gago in 2024.

"I'm very happy to be joining West Ham United," said Gago.

"The family feel of the club really appealed to me and I'm excited to join that family.

"I'm going to give everything in order to help the team reach our ambitions."

Cascarino, 29, has also signed a three-year contract and joins from Serie A side Juventus.

She spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, making 12 appearances in all competitions.

"I feel really happy to be back at West Ham United," said Cascarino.

"I made the decision quickly that I wanted to be back here permanently.

"From the beginning, this club has felt like home. I enjoyed every minute of my time here."

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