West Ham United manager Matt Beard has acquired the services of former Arsenal and Chelsea full-back Lois Joel according to reports on The Hammers’ official website.
The 21-year-old moves to The Chigwell Construction Stadium after enjoying a spell playing in the United States with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
It is understood that Joel has agreed a short-term deal with the East Londoners while West Ham United have handed the player their number 20 shirt. London-born Joel brings adaptability with her to West Ham United. Whilst the player is most at home playing in a full-back position, she can also operate in an attacking role.
Prior to her move to the United States, Joel was on the books of both Arsenal and Watford before later joining Chelsea. The defender was an unused substitute for The Blues as they fell to a shock FA Women’s Continental Tyres Cup penalty shootout defeat to second tier side London Bees at The Hive in 2016. She never made a senior appearance in a Chelsea shirt.
Joel is the second England defender to move to West Ham United from American in recent weeks. Fellow full-back Rachel Daly also joined The Hammers on a loan deal from the Houston Dash last month.
West Ham United have not commented on whether Joel will be available for their Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture against Reading this weekend.
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