Bay FC adds ex-West Ham United defender Anouk Denton via transfer

Bay FC bolstered its defense by acquiring English defender Anouk Denton on a transfer from Women’s Super League club West Ham United, it was announced Monday.

Denton has played the last four seasons in East London with West Ham after a brief time with Arsenal in 2021. She last played in the United States while starring for the University of Louisville in 2020, and said the timing was right to return to America.

“Bay FC is an ambitious club with a clear vision, and it felt like the right place for the next step in my career,” said Denton in a statement released by Bay FC. “The NWSL is the most competitive league in the world, and I’m excited to challenge myself against top players and teams.”

Denton will see at least one familiar face in the Bay Area in new Bay FC head coach Emma Coates, who was her former U-23 team coach in England in 2022.

“Having worked with Emma before gives me confidence in the environment I’m stepping into, and I’m really looking forward to living in the Bay Area and playing in front of such passionate supporters,” said Denton, who had three goals in 53 WSL appearances over six seasons.

Coates shares Denton’s enthusiasm about their impending reunion.

“She’s someone I have worked with before, so I know exactly what she brings,” Coates said. “Anouk is the type of person and player we want at this club. She is professional, hardworking, and driven.”

The 22-year-old earned her first international callup with England’s side in October. She made her debut with England in December, becoming the first West Ham player to represent the Lionesses in nearly 30 years.

Bay FC begins its preseason on Friday when it faces Utah Royals FC in a closed door friendly. Bay’s regular season opener is March 14 at PayPal Park against Denver Summit FC, which will be playing its inaugural NWSL game.