Key Points
- West Ham United midfielder Sarah Brasero made an 84th-minute debut for Deportivo Alavés in their 2-0 win over Valencia in Liga F.
- Goals from Kumba Brima and Ainhoa Guallar secured three points for Alavés in their first match back in the Spanish top division.
- Goalkeeper Katie O’Hanlon and defender Selin Cemal both started for Aberdeen FC Women in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
- Aberdeen lost 3-0 at home to Partick Thistle at Cormack Park.
- Deportivo Alavés play away to Atlético Madrid on Sunday, while Aberdeen travel to Spartans.
West Ham United (East London Times) September 1, 2026—As reported by official club media at West Ham United FC, three members of the West Ham United women’s first-team squad featured for their respective temporary clubs over the weekend as domestic leagues got underway across Europe and Scotland. Midfielder Sarah Brasero helped Deportivo Alavés secure a maximum points return in Spain’s Liga F, whilst goalkeeper Katie O’Hanlon and defender Selin Cemal were both named in the starting lineup for Aberdeen in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1.
How did Sarah Brasero perform on her Deportivo Alavés debut in Liga F?
As detailed in reporting by West Ham United FC, England Under-23 international midfielder Sarah Brasero enjoyed a successful start to her season-long loan spell with Deportivo Alavés, as the Basque side claimed a 2-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday afternoon.
Brasero, who joined West Ham United in July 2025 before being loaned out to gain regular top-flight experience, was introduced off the bench in the 84th minute to close out the game. Alavés took the lead in the first half through Kumba Brima, before Ainhoa Guallar doubled the advantage in the second period to guarantee the win.
The victory marked an ideal return to Spain’s top tier for Alavés following their promotion from the Primera Federación last season. According to West Ham United FC’s coverage, Deportivo Alavés will aim to maintain their perfect start when they travel to face Atlético Madrid on Sunday.
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How did Katie O’Hanlon and Selin Cemal fare in Aberdeen’s SWPL fixture?
As stated by West Ham United FC media, goalkeeper Katie O’Hanlon and defender Selin Cemal experienced a more difficult afternoon in Scotland, both starting in Aberdeen FC Women’s 3-0 home loss to Partick Thistle.
Both players moved to Cormack Park on season-long deals during the summer transfer window to acquire valuable competitive first-team minutes under manager Rita Guarino’s development framework. 22-year-old goalkeeper O’Hanlon and 19-year-old defender Cemal completed the full fixture, but were unable to prevent Partick Thistle from taking all three points. The Dons will attempt to recover from the loss when they play away against Spartans on Sunday.
Background of the particular development
As detailed by analyst Beth McHugh in coverage for Women’s Football Blog, West Ham United Women underwent a major squad restructuring ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League campaign under head coach Rita Guarino. The club sanctioned nine permanent signings, including international figures such as French goalkeeper Constance Picaud, Spanish defender Laia Codina, and former Manchester United midfielder Katie Zelem.
To accommodate this squad evolution and manage player pathway development, four young prospects were sent out on season-long loans. Sarah Brasero joined Deportivo Alavés to test herself in the high-tempo environment of Liga F, having made six WSL appearances for West Ham during the 2025/26 season. Meanwhile, 22-year-old academy product Katie O’Hanlon and 19-year-old defender Selin Cemal—who signed her first professional contract in January 2026—were sent to Aberdeen to gain consistent senior starts in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
Prediction: How this development affects the audience and stakeholders
Impact on West Ham United Women and Coaching Staff
For West Ham United’s management, sending players into competitive environments like Liga F and the SWPL provides real-time performance data without sacrificing domestic squad depth. If Sarah Brasero maintains regular match action in Spain, she is likely to return to East London as a fully adapted top-tier midfielder ready to compete for a starting berth in 2027. For O’Hanlon and Cemal, managing high-volume defensive workloads at Aberdeen will accelerate their tactical maturity.
Impact on the Players
- Sarah Brasero: Exposure to Liga F technical tactics will refine her game management, building on her international experience with the England U23 squad.
- Katie O’Hanlon & Selin Cemal: Facing consistent attacking pressure in the SWPL will test their composure, shot-stopping, and defensive organization, essential for their transition to top-flight English football.
Impact on West Ham Supporters
Hammers supporters can expect clear indicators of the club’s long-term talent pipeline. Tracking loan performances across Europe allows the fanbase to preview the squad’s core internal additions for upcoming seasons.
