West Ham United have announced the signing of England international forward Ebony Salmon on a two-year contract, following her departure from Aston Villa at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old, capped four times by her country, made 75 appearances for Villa after graduating from their academy, and arrives at the Chigwell Construction Stadium as the Hammers' seventh summer acquisition under manager Rita Guarino. West Ham finished third from bottom in the Women's Super League last term and are targeting a significant improvement in the upcoming campaign.
"I'm really excited to join West Ham United and begin this next chapter of my career," Salmon told the club's official website. "After the conversations I had with Rita and others at the club, it just seemed like the right fit for me. I'm really looking forward to getting started, meeting all of my team-mates and the fans, and helping West Ham push on this season."
Salmon's Journey to East London
Salmon's career has already taken in a diverse range of clubs on both sides of the Atlantic. She started out in the Aston Villa academy before making her first-team breakthrough, subsequently moving to Manchester United in 2018. Loan spells at Sheffield United and a permanent switch to Bristol City followed, after which she ventured to the United States to play for Racing Louisville and Houston Dash in the NWSL.
Her return to the WSL with Aston Villa saw her re-establish herself in the English top flight, and West Ham have moved swiftly to secure a player with her combination of pace, technical ability, and top-level experience. The move is seen as a statement of intent from a club that has struggled for consistency in recent seasons.
What Salmon Brings to West Ham
Salmon is a versatile attacker capable of operating across the front line, offering Guarino tactical flexibility. Her direct running, willingness to take on defenders, and eye for goal should add a new dimension to a West Ham attack that managed only 21 goals in 22 WSL fixtures last season. With four England caps, she also brings international pedigree to a squad that needs leaders on the pitch.
Her experience in the United States—a league that has grown rapidly in standard—should also prove valuable as West Ham look to bridge the gap to the division's mid-table and beyond. The two-year deal indicates mutual confidence, and Salmon will be expected to hit the ground running when the new campaign begins.
Quick Facts
Age: 25
Position: Forward
Former Clubs: Aston Villa, Manchester United, Sheffield United (loan), Bristol City, Racing Louisville, Houston Dash
England Caps: 4
WSL Appearances (2025/26): 20 (for Aston Villa)
Key Takeaways
- West Ham have signed Ebony Salmon on a free transfer after her Aston Villa contract expired.
- The 25-year-old forward is an England international with experience in the WSL and USA's NWSL.
- Salmon becomes the seventh new arrival under manager Rita Guarino, signaling a busy summer of recruitment.
- West Ham are aiming to climb the WSL table after finishing third from bottom last season.
- The two-year deal reflects the club's belief in Salmon's ability to make an immediate impact.