West Ham’s record‑fee gamble on French forward Kelly Gago

Three years, a three‑year contract, marks the length of West Ham United’s latest investment as the club completes the permanent signing of 27‑year‑old French international forward Kelly Gago from Everton, with the Hammers paying a club‑record transfer fee to secure her services at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the move via an official club press release from The Hammers this afternoon, confirming the details of the transfer. The announcement highlighted that Everton received a club‑record fee for Gago, underscoring the financial commitment behind the deal.

During her spell at Everton, Gago scored ten goals in thirty appearances across all competitions, demonstrating her attacking potency. She becomes the Hammers’ ninth signing of the summer transfer window.

Before joining Everton, Gago built a varied European résumé with stints at VGA Saint‑Maur, Dijon FCO, AS Saint‑Étienne, UC Sampdoria, Parma Calcio and FC Nantes. She arrived at Everton from FC Nantes in the January 2025 transfer window.

Internationally, Gago has been capped fourteen times by France, finding the net three times for the national side. After joining West Ham United, she said, “I’m very happy to be joining West Ham United. 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, and I’m really looking forward to getting started in Claret and Blue.”

The club‑record fee paid by West Ham underscores the growing financial investment in the women’s game, as clubs compete for top international talent.