West Ham United is delighted to confirm the signing of Colombia international Manuela Paví from Deportivo Cali, subject to work permit approval.
The 23-year-old has signed a three-year contract in east London, becoming Rehanne Skinner’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window.
Paví represented Colombia in all four of their matches at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, scoring against France as the South American nation made it to the quarter-finals of the competition, losing out on penalties to current world champions Spain. The forward also represented her nation at the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup and, irrespective of her young age, has already become a key member of her national team.
At Club level, she began her career with Orsomarso Sportivo Clube before joining Deportivo Cali in 2020. She has also featured for Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro before re-joining Las Azucareras earlier this year.
Paví helped Deportivo Cali to Colombian Women's Football League titles in 2021 and 2024, playing a starring role in both campaigns. In 2021, she helped her side go unbeaten to secure the trophy and, earlier this month, Paví scored two goals in her final match of the Colombian season against Santa Fe to help seal their second domestic crown.
Paví will wear the No11 shirt for the Irons and, though she hasn't travelled to Western Australia for the Perth International Football Cup, is looking forward to showcasing her skills in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
“It’s a dream come true for me to join West Ham United - I’m very grateful to be here,” she told West Ham TV.
“When my agent told me there was a possibility to join West Ham, I felt super excited because I come from a place in Colombia that is very similar to east London - where the people are from humble beginnings and are working class. That is why I know I was born to be a Hammer. I will fight for this Club and give my everything for the famous Claret and Blue.
“The fans can expect to have an extension of themselves on the pitch. I am like them, and I will fight for them and for my teammates to have a fantastic season together.”
Manager Skinner is delighted to add Paví to her squad and is looking forward to seeing the Colombian complement her existing forward options.
“We are delighted to bring a player of Manuela’s quality to the Club,” Skinner said.
“Manuela is an exciting, energetic forward who has the ability to unlock defences from anywhere across the front line. Her performances for her previous club and Colombia have been outstanding, most notably her superb impact at this summer’s Olympic Games.
“Manuela epitomises everything about our team. She has the character that we show week in, week out. She plays with passion, determination, works hard in and out of possession and with her quality, we have no doubt that she will thrive in the Women’s Super League.”
Paví is the women’s team’s sixth arrival this summer, following the signings of Poland international goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, Germany U19 forward Shekiera Martinez, Chile international Camila Sáez, France U23 international Inès Belloumou and Canada international Shelina Zadorsky.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Manuela to the Club and wish her every success in Claret and Blue.
