Everton Women have completed the loan signing of highly-rated midfielder Laila Harbert on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season, while defender Kenzie Weir has joined Ipswich Town on loan and will spend the rest of the season with the WSL2 outfit.
While the move for the Scottish Under-19 international makes sense in getting Weir some much-needed game time, the move to secure the temporary services of Harbert is a curious one, given that the central midfielder is joining the ranks of arguably
the Blues’ most competitive area of the pitch, with Clare Wheeler, Rosa van Gool, Ruby Mace, Honoka Hayashi, Issy Hobson and the now fit again Aurora Galli all vying for those starting positions.
That being said, Harbert has graduated through the Gunners’ academy ranks and has progressed through the England youth groups, where she received her first call-up for the Under-23 squad in October 2025 and made her debut against Germany.
Where does the teen fit in to a side that is yet to win a league game at home and is now embroiled in a relegation battle?
The WSL’s fourth-lowest scorers and with Katja Snoeijs out injured and the future of Kelly Gago uncertain, the Goodison Park faithful will still be hoping for a forward to arrive on Merseyside if they are to pull away from the drop zone and advance in the FA Cup, with a trip to Anfield next up in the competition.
Speaking to evertontv, the striker said –
“I am really excited to be here. It is a big club with big ambitions and I am really excited to get going. Goodison Park is a big stadium – one that I think I will enjoy playing in. I have heard the fans are really good as well, so it will be nice to see them on Sunday.
“I am a very passionate player myself. The fans getting behind us here will really help us towards the second half of the season. I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started. Hopefully, I can help the team kick on.
“One of the main reasons for coming is the potential to develop. It is really attractive for young players to grow as a player and a person. Brian gives young players that opportunity. Hopefully, I can take that now.”
February will be a critical month for Brian Sorensen’s side, with home league fixtures against Aston Villa and fellow strugglers West Ham United as well as the aforementioned derby clash, are you happy and satisfied that the Blues can kick on for the remainder of the campaign? Or are more reinforcements needed, and if so, what areas need strengthening.
Meanwhile, the Toffees have also ended the loan of Inma Gabarro, and she has returned from Sevilla. The forward will help beef up the ranks at the Blues, she has three goals and one assists in fourteen games this season.
