West Ham sign defender Belloumou from Bayern
Ines Belloumou made her professional debut for Marseille aged 16
- Published
West Ham United have signed left-back Ines Belloumou from Bayern Munich on a three-year-deal.
The 23-year-old, who has played for France Under-23s, will spend next season on loan at Italian side Lazio in order to help her gain a visa to play in England.
Belloumou played nine times for Bayern last season in the Frauen-Bundesliga after a successful spell at French side Montpellier.
"I feel very proud to be joining West Ham United," Belloumou told West Ham's website.
"This is a new chapter for me. I have played in France and Germany and I'm now looking forward to playing in England.
"All are different styles of play but for me, the Women's Super League is the best league and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead."
The loan move will help Belloumou accumulate the necessary points to meet the Governing Body Endorsement criteria for international player visas.
She is Rehanne Skinner's fourth signing of the summer, following deals for Kinga Szemik, Shekiera Martinez and Camila Saez.