Everton has signed two internationals: Portuguese goalkeeper Ines Pereira and Nigerian attacker Toni Payne.
Ines Pereira, a 25-year-old Portuguese international, has joined Everton after her contract with Swiss side Servette expired.
Pereira, who competed for her country at EURO 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, has been loaned to Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruna for the coming season.
During her stint at Servette, she appeared in 47 league matches and kept 20 clean sheets, helping the club win back-to-back Swiss Women’s Super League titles. She also won two Portuguese league trophies from her time at Sporting Club de Portugal.
Manager Brian Sorensen stated his enthusiasm about Pereira’s signing, saying, “Ines is a player I’ve been watching since he was about 18 years old. We currently have two good goalkeepers, and Ines is one who we believe will make an impact on our squad in the future.
She has a lot of experience, having competed in the EUROs and the World Cup, but she is still young and has a lot to offer.”
Toni Payne, a 29-year-old attacker, has also joined Everton after a successful six-year career at Sevilla.
Payne was a member of Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 World Cup, which advanced to the round of 16.
She highlighted her excitement about joining Everton, saying, “I’m overjoyed to be an Everton player. It’s been my goal to play in the UK, especially in a league as competitive as the WSL.”
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play for Everton, a club with a rich history in football. It was the appropriate time for me to hunt for new challenge to push myself. It’ll be unusual and new, and I’m really pleased with my selection.”
Sorensen complimented Payne’s signing, saying, “I’m delighted to welcome Toni to the team. She is just the kind of player we need. I am convinced Toni would integrate immediately into our team and this league because she has extensive experience not only in Spain but also with the Nigeria national team.”
Payne is excited to begin her career at Everton and is impressed by the club’s investment in player development and the league.
She went on to say, “I’m impressed with how the league invests in both its teams and itself. I see such quick growth, and I’m quite excited and eager to be part of it. I’m pleased to be a part of the WSL’s rapid expansion and to play in a style that suits me perfectly. I can’t wait to get started!”
