Leila Wandeler is excited by the prospect of becoming the next young star to shine for West Ham United women’s team.
The 19-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year contract in east London, completing a move from French top-flight side OL Lyonnes, and is relishing the opportunity to meet her teammates and put on a show for the Claret and Blue faithful in Dagenham.
The move to the Hammers bookends a memorable summer for the Fribourg-born forward. Just a few months after netting her first goal for the Première Ligue giants, Wandeler made her debut for Switzerland’s first team in their final warm-up match before UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, which came against the Czech Republic.
Her inclusion was made even more special due to the fact she had to pull out of Switzerland’s squad in June 2024 due to injury, which was her first-ever call-up to the senior team.
Our new No27 was sent on as a second-half substitute at Stadion Schützenwiese and clearly impressed Swiss manager Pia Sundhage in her 25-minute audition. Moments after hitting the post on her debut, Wandeler teed up Svenja Fölmli, who rounded off the scoring with Switzerland’s final goal in a resounding 4-1 success.
Not long after, Wandeler was named in Switzerland’s 23-player squad for the tournament - the first time they had hosted the Women’s European Championship finals - and the competition created memories that will stay with her forever.
Now, the versatile attacker has arrived at West Ham and is looking forward to her maiden campaign in the Barclays Women’s Super League, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the young players who have impressed in Claret and Blue before her.
Leila, welcome to West Ham United! How does it feel to be here?
“It feels great! I'm so excited to start, meet my teammates and also meet the staff. I'm just so excited!”
What was it about the Club that made you want to join?
“I think I see West Ham as one big family. When I first spoke to the manager, she told me, ‘When you come here, you'll feel at home very soon’. That's something I love about the Club.”
What other conversations did you have with Rehanne?
“Obviously she told me that my qualities attracted her, that I would feel at home here and that I could trust everybody. It's like I said before, one big family.”
Rehanne is great with developing young players, how much are you looking forward to working under her?
“I've seen a few young players shine here already. I'm so excited to learn from the manager and also the older players, [but it’s so nice] to see that as a young player, I can have my place here.”
You said you’ve seen some of the young players who have done really well here already, how much does that excite you?
“It does excite me. It means that I can make it possible. I'm going to give everything to become a good part of this team.”
Obviously the last few months for you have been crazy. You made your Switzerland debut and then made the squad that hosted the Euros.
“It was crazy, amazing. I couldn't believe it at first because I hadn’t really been in the national team that much. The players were amazing to me. I felt in the family as soon as I got into the team. The games were so amazing, I had chills every time I saw the Switzerland fans.”
You must have learned so much from the tournament.
“I've learned a lot from the older players because I had not really played with players like Lia Wälti [before], who have so much experience in football. I think that's what I learned the most, to play with the most experienced players.”
How proud a moment was playing for Switzerland for you and your family?
“Yes, for my family it was amazing! I could bring 20 people to every single game and that was crazy. I could bring my friends, family and at the end of the game I could see them and take pictures. It was amazing!”
You said Rehanne spoke to you about your qualities on the pitch. What are you like as a player?
“I'm very creative on the pitch. I like to use my technique, go one versus one and obviously I have a very attacking personality.”
The fans will be so excited to see your creativity. How much are you looking forward to playing in front of them?
“I can't wait to meet the fans. I've heard so many good things about the fans and the connection they have with the team. I'm very excited to meet them.”
How much are you looking forward to playing in the WSL as well?
“This will be the best league I have played in. I can't wait to play against such big teams with my teammates. I'm very excited.”
Have you got a message for the West Ham fans?
“I'm very excited and I'm going to give everything to make the fans proud!”
