West Ham Women have announced the signing of Verena Hanshaw from Italian side AS Roma. The 32 year old versatile defender is understood to have joined the Hammers on an 18 month contract.
The Austrian international becomes West Ham’s first signing of the January transfer window. Before her spell in Italy with AS Roma, Hanshaw spent six years in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt and played her part in allowing them to compete at the top end of the Frauen Bundesliga.
Hanshaw brings with her a wealth of experience to the current Hammers squad. The 32 year old won 116 caps for Austria, represented her country in two Euro’s, and has also played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Speaking to the Club’s official website after her move to West Ham was announced, Hanshaw said: “This is a big opportunity for me and I’m really happy to be here.”
She went on to add: “I see a lot of qualities within the Club and this team. Having spoken with Rehanne Skinner, as well as my good friends Sheki Martinez and (former West Ham defender) Hawa Cissoko, I had a good feeling about joining West Ham. Everything felt right.”
West Ham Women’s manager Rehanne Skinner expressed her delight at Hanshaw’s arrival: “We are delighted that Verena has joined the Club. Verena has a wealth of experience at club and international level, having played in the Champions League and over 100 times for her country, and her leadership qualities will be a real asset to the group moving forwards.”
Bringing in a player of Hanshaw’s quality is a great addition to West Ham Women’s current squad. She adds leadership to the squad and improves the Hammers current options defensively.
Rehanne Skinner’s side are currently three points above the relegation place and have the second worst defensive record in the league. With Hanshaw’s vast experience of competing at the top level of women’s football, the Austrian international can help add more steel and resolve to West Ham’s back line.
If she is able to help the Hammers steady the ship defensively then the addition of Hanshaw can play a big part in helping the Hammers end the season positively and allow them to begin looking up the table rather than over their shoulder.
