West Ham United Women confirm Jessie Stapleton loan exit
West Ham United Women have confirmed that Jessie Stapleton has joined Sunderland on loan for the upcoming season.
The Irons confirmed via X on Thursday (1 August) that the 19-year-old Irish international will spend the year on loan in the Women’s Championship with the Black Cats as they look to mount a serious promotion push.
Stapleton spent part of last season on loan in the second tier with Reading and helped the Royals avoid relegation with a 10th placed finish, but in the North East, she will join up with fellow Irons loanee Keira Flannery.
Are West Ham United Women close to any new signings?
Stapleton’s minutes in East London were always going to be limited this season so it is in everyone’s interest that the young defender heads back out on loan to continue her development with a view to breaking into the first-team squad.
Sunderland were in touching distance of the promotion place in the second tier last term, finishing only five points behind Crystal Palace who made the jump to the WSL, so this move is certainly a step up for the teenager.
If the 19-year-old can impress with the Black Cats, it could benefit the Hammers in one of two ways. Either they will have a defender ready to step into Rehane Skinner’s side, or it will help increase Stapleton’s value.
Either way, this can only benefit the Irons. Hopefully, with the new WSL season getting closer and closer a few more incoming transfers can be completed so that West Ham can hit the ground running next term.
The business that has been completed so far has been encouraging, but after last season’s relegation battle, a few more additions will be needed before safety can be guaranteed.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are understood to be interested in signing one exit-linked Liverpool man this summer
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