Everton Women are keeping pace with their male counterparts in terms of transfers this offseason following the acquisitions of three new faces in a week.
The Blues midfield is set to be a competitive one ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 campaign as midfielder, Aurora Galli, has also put pen-to-paper on a new deal.
The Women’s Super League first-ever Italian player joined the Blues in July 2021, quickly becoming a fans’ favourite. Known as ‘Yaya’, the 27-year-old only missed only three league matches last season, starting 19 times for Brian Sorensen’s side, and scooping February’s WSL’s Goal of the Month when her spectacular strike sealed three points against West Ham United.
So who will Galli be lining up with next season?
Toni Payne
US-born Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne became the first signing of the summer for the Toffees. The striker is known for her quick feet and dribbling skills, with the Nigerian international being dubbed ‘Super Falcons Messi’ from Nigerian football fans.
Payne comes to Merseyside after six years with Spanish side Sevilla and has 21 caps for Nigeria, including being in the squad at the 2023 World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand, where they were exited the tournament at the Round of 16 stage at the hands of England’s Lionesses. She is currently at the Olympic Games with her national team.
Ines Perreira
Pereira will spend the coming season on loan with Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruna, who won promotion to the women’s first division last term, following the expiry of her contract with Swiss side Servette.
The 25-year-old made 47 league appearances and registered 20 clean sheets with the Swiss Women’s Cup holders, where she also played in the Champions League.
Honoka Hayashi
The Japan international became Sorensen’s third summer signing, following the arrivals of Nigeria forward Toni Payne and Portuguese goalkeeper Ines Pereira.
A dynamic playmaker known for her intricate passing, Hayashi joins the Blues – subject to international clearance – following a two-year-stint with West Ham.
Capped over 30 times by her country, whom she is currently representing at the Paris Olympics, the 26-year-old has has also enjoyed successful stints in her native Japan and Sweden with Cerezo Osaka and AIK respectively.
Melissa Lawley
The 30-year-old winger is no stranger to the WSL or Merseyside, having made 132 league appearances for Arsenal, Bristol City, Birmingham City, Manchester City and, most recently, Liverpool, where she left last month.
Experienced, and dangerous on either flank, Lawley will be hoping her switch from the Red half of Merseyside to Blue will be as successful as another wide player who made that change for the men’s side over 40 years ago.
Admitting to being a long-term admirer of the Blues, Lawley knew the opportunity to play for Everton was too good to turn down, telling evertontc.com:
“When I’ve watched Everton, I loved the way they play. They move the ball quick, very attacking style of side.”
“I knew this club was for me. I knew I’d thrive playing as a Blue.
“When I knew Brian [Sorensen] was interested in me, I didn’t give it a second thought. I knew my style of play would fit into this team.
“Hopefully working with Brian and the team, we can bring success.”
Veatriki Sarri
Everton Women’s first ever Greek player, Sarri arrives on Merseyside following a two-year spell with Brighton & Hove Albion, where she made 53 appearances and scored six goals.
The 26-year-old will add even more competition to the middle of the park and brings a wealth of experience, have played football in England for Leeds United, Fylde, Sheffield United and Birmingham City.
No stranger to the international stage, Sarri has won over 40 caps for Greece, scoring eight goals in the process, while twice being named the Greek football PSAP awards’ Best Greek Female Player Abroad in 2022 and 2023.
What area of the team should Sorensen target next and who would you like to see arrive on Merseyside?
Let us know in the comments below.