West Ham Women make deadline day Li Mengwen transfer announcement
West Ham United women have confirmed the transfer deadline day loan signing of Li Mengwen from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Hammers confirmed via X on Friday (13 September) that the China international had joined Rehane Skinner’s side on a season-long loan in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Mengwin joined the Segulls last season but struggled for regular minutes on the south coast, only making eleven appearances as Brighton finished ninth, but she is looking forward to making her mark in East London.
As quoted by the Hammers website (13 September) she said: “I’m delighted to be joining West Ham United.
“It has felt like a bit of a rollercoaster over the last 24 hours as this decision happened very quickly, but now that I am here, I am so excited.
“I feel very proud to be a Chinese player playing in the Barclays Women’s Super League, and I’m truly honoured to be the first Chinese player to play for West Ham United.
“I am a determined, resilient player who will never give up. The experience that I’ve had and the pressure that I have played under throughout my career drives me to be a better player.
“Now that I am here, I want to do my very best in a West Ham shirt and help the team as much as I can.”
Are West Ham close to any new transfers?
The Hammers have been desperate for some defensive reinforcements this summer and in the final moments of the transfer window, Skinner and her recruitment team have managed to find the perfect last-minute addition.
Mengwin may not be the most experienced when it comes to the WSL but as a full international with vast experience in China, she should have the ability and the skillset to slot straight into the team in East London.
Not all of the Hammers’ transfer decisions this summer have made complete sense and the supporters have been frustrated at times, but it does feel as though this is a smart deal that could well pay off throughout the season.
Hopefully, Mengwen will provide enough quality in the backline to help West Ham avoid relegation to the Championship this season. They were a bit too close for comfort last term and will be eager to climb the table this year.
In other West Ham news, an England call-up has been mooted for Aaron Wan-Bissaka after recent developments at the London Stadium
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