Full Breakdown
Laia Codina Set to Depart Arsenal Women’s Team at Season’s End
5/11/2026, 7:10:33 PM
Laia Codina’s Departure from Arsenal Women’s Team
Spanish centre-back Laia Codina will leave Arsenal Football Club when her contract expires in the summer of 2026/2027. The announcement came via an official club press release and confirms that the 26-year-old defender, who joined from Barcelona in the summer of 2023, will seek a new challenge after four seasons in North London.
Path to Arsenal and Key Contributions
Codina arrived from FC Barcelona in the 2023 summer transfer window and made her Arsenal debut on 6 October 2023 in a 2-2 Barclays Women’s Super League draw with Manchester United. In her first season she entered at half-time of the League Cup final, helping secure a 1-0 clean-sheet victory over Chelsea. She later featured in Arsenal’s historic UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in 2025 and the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup win in 2026.
Career Statistics and Honors
During her tenure Codina amassed 58 appearances across all competitions and scored four goals. Her trophy cabinet with Arsenal includes the 2023/24 Subway Women’s League Cup, the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League, and the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Timeline of Codina’s Arsenal Tenure
- Summer 2023 – Transfers from Barcelona to Arsenal.
- 6 Oct 2023 – Debuts in a 2-2 league draw with Manchester United.
- 2023/24 season – Plays half-time in League Cup final; Arsenal win 1-0 vs Chelsea.
- 2025 – Part of UEFA Women’s Champions League-winning squad.
- 2026 – Contributes to inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup victory.
- Summer 2026/27 – Contract expires; departure confirmed.
- Wednesday (final home game) – Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
Official Club Statement
Arsenal’s official release thanked Codina for her efforts, highlighted her role in recent successes, and expressed best wishes for her next chapter. The club noted that her departure coincides with goalkeeper Naomi Williams also leaving, underscoring a period of squad transition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everyone at Arsenal Football Club thanks Laia for her efforts during her time with us and we wish her well for her next chapter.” — Arsenal Football Club
- “Codina’s final home fixture as an Arsenal player is on Wednesday when The Gunners play host to Everton at the Emirates Stadium.” — Arsenal Women’s Official Press Release
- “OneFootball Videos With Codina’s contract set to expire next month, it has been determined that she will take on a fresh challenge in 2026/2027.” — Arsenal Women’s Official Press Release
- “Codina has gone on to make 58 appearances for The Gunners in all competitions in which she has scored four goals.” — Arsenal Women’s Official Press Release
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise timing of the contract expiry: one describes it as “at the end of the season,” another specifies “next month” and frames the departure within the “summer” window. No further detail is provided about the exact date or any extension negotiations.
What’s Next for Codina and Arsenal
Codina is expected to explore opportunities with another club for the 2026/27 season, while Arsenal must address the vacancy in central defence amid broader squad changes, including the simultaneous exit of goalkeeper Naomi Williams. The club’s upcoming transfer activity will determine how it rebuilds its defensive line-up.
