Leicester's squad overhaul accelerates with West Ham duo

Leicester City announced today that they have secured the permanent transfers of West Ham United pair Jessie Stapleton and Jess Ziu, paying fees to complete the double signing, with both Republic of Ireland internationals signing multi‑year contracts that add depth to the Foxes' squad.

Both players arrive as part of a busy summer window in which Leicester have now signed four new players, and the double signing of Stapleton and Ziu reinforces the club's broader recruitment drive. The additions are presented as a strategic effort to broaden squad options across the season.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the deals via official media updates, and the Foxes issued those updates earlier today. The communication underscores the club's transparency and the formal completion of the transfers.

Both athletes have signed on a permanent basis with Leicester City, and the Foxes paid transfer fees to West Ham United to secure the moves. Stapleton has committed to a three‑year contract while Ziu will initially spend two years at The King Power Stadium.

Stapleton joined West Ham United from Shelbourne in the summer of 2023, developing within the East Londoners’ first‑team environment. She also gained experience on loan at Reading, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest before the permanent move to Leicester.

On the international stage, Stapleton has been capped by the Republic of Ireland on 20 occasions and has scored two goals for her country. Her experience adds a proven international pedigree to the Foxes' midfield options.

Ziu was recruited by the Hammers from Shelbourne in the summer of 2022 and has made 23 appearances in all competitions for West Ham United despite long‑term injuries. She spent the previous season on loan at Bristol City, further broadening her experience before joining Leicester.

Like Stapleton, Ziu is also a Republic of Ireland international and has earned 20 caps for her nation. Her international experience mirrors that of her teammate, providing the Foxes with two seasoned Irish players.

The contrast between Leicester's aggressive squad overhaul and the seasoned backgrounds of the Irish duo highlights a clear strategy: the club is investing in proven talent to immediately strengthen depth, while the players gain a stable, multi‑year platform to continue their international careers.