West Ham United Women are delighted to confirm the agreement to sign Republic of Ireland international Jessica Ziu, subject to international clearance and a medical.
The highly rated 19-year-old will join up with the Hammers in the summer when the transfer window officially opens and, until then, will remain with reigning Women’s National League (WNL) champions Shelbourne for the opening months of the 2022 season.
Ziu broke into the Red Pandas' first-team squad in June 2018, making her WNL debut just three weeks after her 16th birthday and scoring her first senior goal the following month. Since then, she has gone on to score 19 goals in 56 WNL appearances for the Dublin club.
The speedy teenager won her first WNL title last November, winning a penalty which was converted as Shelbourne defeated Wexford Youths 3-2 on the final day of the season to pip local rivals Peamount United to the title by a single point.
A versatile player, Ziu can play in midfield or at wing-back, as evidenced by her impressive performances in her eight appearances for Republic of Ireland.
Previously capped by her country at youth levels, Ziu was named FAI U16 Women's International Player of the Year in 2018, before making her senior debut in a FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying win over Northern Ireland at 16 in August of the same year.
Now a regular member of Vera Pauw's senior squad, she is looking forward to bringing her talents to east London.
“I’m so excited to be joining West Ham United," Ziu told whufc.com. “It’s a proud moment for me and my family. I’ve been playing football since I was four-years-old, and my goal has always been to become professional.
“The fact that I’m now able to call myself a West Ham United player is surreal, but I’m really looking forward to next season and the opportunity that I have.
“I’ve already met the girls and the staff, and everyone was so welcoming to me when I came over for a short period.
“I would describe myself as a pacey player, I like to dribble through players and in tight spaces. I’m technical on the ball and a hard worker off it – and hopefully that should stand me in good stead coming over to the WSL.”
Ziu will become the latest Irishwoman to wear Claret and Blue following in the footsteps of former Hammers Leanne Kiernan, Ruesha Littlejohn and Courtney Brosnan.
Everyone at West Ham United wishes Jessica well during her time at the Hammers and looks forward to welcoming her in the summer.
