Everton Women have announced the signing of Hanoka Hayashi following her West Ham United exit at the end of last season.
The Toffees confirmed in a club statement on Wednesday (24 July) that the 26-year-old Japanese international had put pen to paper on a contract with the Merseyside club having ended her two-year spell in East London earlier this summer.
Hayashi was one of several first-team players to depart upon the expiry of their contracts at the end of last season, but the playmaker has now suggested she was looking for a new challenge.
As quoted by Everton’s website, she said: “I am honoured to join such a big club as Everton, I was looking for a new challenge, and I will do everything I can to help the Club succeed.
“I am looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans.”
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Hayashi may not have quite hit the heights expected of her during her time with the Hammers, but it calls the Irons’ decision to release her into question when another WSL side has decided to snap her up reasonably quickly.
This was always going to be a tough summer for Rehane Skinner’s side given the sheer amount of players who have departed and it does feel like some more additions are required to guarantee the Hammers’ safety.
The early signs suggest Skinner and her team around her are doing everything they can to try and best prepare for the upcoming season, with new signings being targeted and young prospects putting pen to paper on new deals.
Hopefully, Hayashi won’t make West Ham regret their decision to allow her to leave this summer. Most fans will be hoping she does well whilst with the Toffees, other than when she plays the Hammers of course.
