New West Ham United women’s team signing Sarah Brasero has revealed how much she is looking forward to working under manager Rehanne Skinner after completing her move from Portuguese side G.D. Estoril Praia.
The England U23 international midfielder put pen to paper on a three-year contract at the Club, taking the No21 shirt, and will join up with the rest of the squad when they return to Chadwell Heath as preparations begin for the 2025/26 Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) season.
Norwich-born Brasero spent a season in Portugal's top-flight where she scored five goals and contributed three assists as her former side claimed an eighth-place finish in Primeira Liga. The move abroad followed a campaign at then Barclays WSL 2 club Lewes.
The 20-year-old spent her formative years in senior football at Ipswich Town, a club she made her debut for at 16 and went onto play a further 42 times. During her time in East Anglia she faced the Hammers in a Women’s FA Cup quarter-final tie in 2022 and earned her first call-up to England’s U19 squad.
After making her debut for the Young Lionesses in November 2021, Brasero clearly impressed and earned her place in England’s U23s three years later, making her debut against Sweden in Doncaster in December 2024.
Before taking the reins in east London, manager Skinner was head coach of both England U19s and U23s, developing the country's best talents, and Brasero is relishing the opportunity to work under the West Ham manager.
In her first interview with West Ham TV, Brasero also spoke about what fellow Young Lioness - and now West Ham team-mate - Anouk Denton told her about the Club, as well as how much she is looking forward to testing herself in the WSL - bringing the lessons she learned abroad to east London.
Sarah, congratulations on joining West Ham United. How does it feel to be here?
“It feels really good to be joining West Ham United. I’m really excited to be joining this ambitious Club and I’m looking forward to getting started. I’ve had some great conversations with Rehanne. She’s a manager that likes to develop young players and, as a young player myself, that’s exactly what I’m looking for.”
What conversations have you had with Rehanne already?
“I feel like she’s a coach who demands a lot, which is really good. I’m super excited to be working under her. She wants hard work, which I can provide and she’s got an eye for developing younger players - and that’s really attractive to me.”
You’ve joined us from Estoril in Portugal, what was it like for you to play abroad and what did you learn from that experience that you’ll look to bring to West Ham?
“I think there are a lot of different lessons that I’ve learnt on and off the pitch. On the pitch, it’s (playing in Portugal) a different style of play, which I can definitely bring aspects of to West Ham. And also, off the pitch it was a different type of living. It brings you out of your comfort zone as well, so it was really good.”
And you’ve also spent time with both Ipswich Town and Lewes here in England, and now you’re making the step into the WSL. How excited are you by the prospect of playing in the WSL for the first time?
“Yeah, it’s really exciting. I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve got plenty of experience from my time here in England with Lewes and Ipswich, and now I’m ready to make that next step.”
You’ve played for England U19s and U23s too. What experiences have you had with them?
“They’ve been really good. Playing with top players for your country is only going to make you improve and obviously I’ve learned a lot from working with the coaches there.”
You know Anouk Denton from your time with England, have you spoken to her about joining the Club?
“We had a couple of conversations on camp, and she had nothing but good things to say about being here. I’m really excited to be here and to have the opportunity to play alongside her as well.”
Lastly, what can the West Ham fans expect from you?
“I think I’m quite a creative player and I like to try and put on a show for the fans, but I also want to work hard for the team and help us to win matches.”
