Everton Women will be lining up for the forthcoming season without Martina Fernandez after Barcelona triggered a buy-back clause in the defender’s contract.
The 21-year-old initially joined the Toffees on loan from the Catalan giants for the second half of the 2024/25 season before making the move permanent ahead of the Blues’ historic inaugural season at Goodison Park.
The Ordis-born centre-back started all 22 WSL fixtures for Everton in her first full season on Merseyside and received her first call-up
to Spain’s senior squad alongside fellow club teammates Inma Gabarro and Ornella Vignola.
But Scott Phelan is proving he is not someone who lets the grass grow as the Toffees moved quickly to secure the services England U-23 defender Naomi Layzell on a season-long loan from WSL champions Manchester City.
The 22-year-old received her first senior call-up in February 2024 and has impressed for the league champions, most notably opening the scoring in the Cotizens’ historic 2-0 victory against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League two seasons ago.
Layzell made three appearances in the WSL last season as City went on to lift the league title, but Everton will be aware of their new teammate, who played every minute of Andrée Jeglertz’s side’s 3-1 victory against the Toffees in the League Cup.
The centre-back becomes Everton Women’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window following the additions of forwards Noémie Mouchon, Hannah Cain, Holly McNamara and Jutta Rantala, attacking midfielder Zara Kramžar, and full-back Hannah Blundell.
And with the return of club captain Megan Finnigan, who recently signed a new deal, Phelan will be hoping that can be a strong partnership and perhaps free up Ruby Mace to occupy a role in midfield.
How do you think Everton Women’s squad is shaping up ahead of the 2026/27 campaign? Does the Blues’ boss need anyone else?
Let us know in the comments below.
