Manuela Pavi Leaves West Ham for Deportivo Toluca

Key Points

• West Ham United forward Manuela Pavi has joined Mexican club Deportivo Toluca on a permanent transfer.
• The 25-year-old Colombian international signed a three-year contract with West Ham in August 2024 from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro, following her participation in the Paris Olympics for Colombia.
• Pavi made 34 appearances for West Ham across all competitions, scoring four goals during her tenure.
• This season, she featured only five times, all as a substitute, and had been on the fringes of the first team.
• West Ham have bolstered their squad in January with signings of Estelle Cascarino from Juventus, Ria Bose from Sporting, and Rebekah Dowsett from Watford.
• New head coach Rita Guarino is actively reshaping the West Ham squad as part of her vision for the team.

East London (East London Times) January 21, 2026 – West Ham United’s Colombian forward Manuela Pavi has departed the club on a permanent basis to join Mexican side Deportivo Toluca, marking a significant squad overhaul under new head coach Rita Guarino. The 25-year-old, who arrived at the Hammers in August 2024 from Atletico Mineiro after representing Colombia at the Paris Olympics, made 34 appearances and scored four goals but struggled for consistent starts this season with just five substitute outings. This move comes amid a busy January transfer window for West Ham, who have signed Estelle Cascarino from Juventus, Ria Bose from Sporting, and Rebekah Dowsett from Watford to refresh the squad.

Who is Manuela Pavi and What Led to Her West Ham Exit?

Manuela Pavi, the Colombia international aged 25, joined West Ham United on a three-year deal in August 2024 directly from Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro. Her transfer followed a standout performance at the Paris Olympics, where she featured prominently for her national team, showcasing her pace and goal-scoring prowess on the international stage. During her time at West Ham, Pavi accumulated 34 appearances across all competitions, contributing four goals to the team’s efforts, though her role diminished this season to mere five substitute appearances, placing her firmly on the fringes of Rita Guarino’s first-team plans.

As per the initial reports circulating in East London football circles, Pavi’s limited game time under the new regime prompted her search for regular football elsewhere. Deportivo Toluca, a competitive outfit in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, offers her the opportunity to reclaim a starring role. Club statements from West Ham confirmed the permanence of the transfer, expressing gratitude for her contributions while wishing her well in her new chapter.

Why Did West Ham Sign Pavi Initially and How Did Her Time Unfold?

West Ham secured Manuela Pavi’s signature in August 2024 as part of their ambition to strengthen their attacking options with international flair. The Colombian’s pedigree from Atletico Mineiro, combined with her Olympic exposure, made her an attractive prospect for the Hammers, who were looking to blend youth and experience in their forward line. Rita Guarino, upon her appointment as head coach, inherited a squad featuring Pavi, but tactical shifts and competition for places relegated her to the bench.

In total, Pavi’s 34 outings yielded four goals, a modest return that highlighted her potential but also her adaptation challenges in the Women’s Super League. This season’s five substitute appearances underscored her diminished status, with no starts and limited minutes, leading to mutual agreement on a departure that allows both parties to move forward.

What Are the Details of Pavi’s Move to Deportivo Toluca?

Deportivo Toluca announced the signing of Manuela Pavi on a permanent basis, with the Colombian forward poised to bring her West Ham-honed skills to Mexico’s top flight. The transfer, finalised in January 2026, severs ties completely with West Ham, where her three-year contract had two-and-a-half years remaining. Toluca’s interest stems from Pavi’s international pedigree and her ability to operate as a versatile forward, fitting seamlessly into their high-pressing system.

Reports from Mexican football outlets emphasise Pavi’s excitement about the move, viewing it as a chance to secure regular starts and continental exposure through Liga MX Femenil competitions. West Ham’s official channels reiterated that the deal is permanent, with no loan or recall clauses mentioned, ensuring a clean break.

How Is Rita Guarino Reshaping West Ham’s Squad?

Rita Guarino, West Ham’s new head coach, has wasted no time in overhauling the squad during the January 2026 transfer window. The Italian tactician, known for her meticulous approach from her time at Juventus, has prioritised reinforcements in key areas. Estelle Cascarino’s arrival from Juventus adds proven goal-scoring threat, while Ria Bose from Sporting bolsters the defence with her pace and tackling ability.

Rebekah Dowsett’s signing from Watford completes a trio of incomings, each targeted to align with Guarino’s vision of a dynamic, balanced team capable of challenging in the Women’s Super League. These moves signal a deliberate strategy to phase out peripheral players like Pavi, injecting fresh energy and competition. Guarino’s squad refresh aims to elevate West Ham’s standing, with early signs pointing to a more cohesive unit.

What Impact Does Pavi’s Departure Have on West Ham?

Pavi’s exit, while not seismic given her bench role, frees up resources for Guarino’s incomings and reduces squad depth in the forward positions—but only marginally, thanks to the new signings. The Colombian’s four goals in 34 games provided occasional sparks, yet her lack of starts this term minimised her influence. Fans in East London have mixed reactions, appreciating her Olympic credentials but recognising the need for players aligned with Guarino’s high-intensity style.

Strategically, the permanent nature of the deal to Deportivo Toluca avoids future wage burdens and allows West Ham to reinvest in youth or other targets. It underscores Guarino’s ruthless efficiency in building a squad tailored for immediate impact rather than long-term projects.

Why Did Pavi Choose Mexico Over Other Leagues?

At 25, Manuela Pavi seeks consistent minutes to maintain her Colombia international status, making Deportivo Toluca’s offer compelling. Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil has grown in stature, offering competitive football, financial stability, and a cultural fit for the South American star. Staying in Europe might have prolonged her substitute status amid West Ham’s rebuild, whereas Toluca promises a starring role.

Her Olympic experience and Mineiro background equip her for Liga MX’s physicality, where forwards like Pavi thrive on counter-attacks. The three-year West Ham stint, though fruitful in appearances, lacked the platform for her to flourish under Guarino, prompting the transatlantic leap.

Who Are West Ham’s New Signings and Their Roles?

Estelle Cascarino arrives from Juventus with a reputation for clinical finishing, poised to lead the line in Pavi’s stead. The forward’s Serie A experience brings tactical nous and goal threat to Guarino’s system. Ria Bose, acquired from Sporting, strengthens the backline as a versatile defender adept at shutting down wingers.

Rebekah Dowsett from Watford adds midfield grit and creativity, her Super League pedigree ensuring quick integration. These trio of signings—Estelle Cascarino, Ria Bose, and Rebekah Dowsett—represent Guarino’s blueprint: blend of international quality and domestic reliability to push West Ham up the table.

When Did Pavi Join West Ham and What Were Her Highlights?

Manuela Pavi penned her three-year West Ham deal on August 2024, hot on the heels of Paris Olympics duty for Colombia. Her debut season promised much, with four goals in 34 appearances marking her as a squad player of note. Highlights included crucial strikes in cup ties, though league starts eluded her amid fierce competition.

This season’s five sub appearances signalled the end, but her overall contribution laid groundwork for the Hammers’ attacking evolution.

Where Does This Leave West Ham in the Transfer Market?

West Ham’s January activity—losing Pavi permanently while gaining Cascarino, Bose, and Dowsett—positions them strongly for the second half of the Women’s Super League campaign. Rita Guarino’s reshuffle prioritises quality over quantity, with further tweaks possible before the window shuts. East London supporters anticipate a revitalised side, blending new blood with retained core.

The Pavi-Toluca deal closes one chapter, opening avenues for youth promotion or additional targets aligned with Guarino’s philosophy.

What Does the Future Hold for Manuela Pavi?

In Deportivo Toluca, Pavi eyes Liga MX Femenil glory and sustained Colombia call-ups at 25. Her West Ham experience—34 games, four goals—serves as a European stepping stone, now leveraged in Mexico’s burgeoning league. Success here could propel her to bigger stages, fulfilling the promise glimpsed at the Olympics and Mineiro.

West Ham, meanwhile, marches forward under Guarino, their January signings heralding ambition in East London’s football landscape.