Everton have announced the signing of Super Falcons star Toni Payne, reports Completesports.com.
Payne joined Everton after ending her six-year spell with Spanish club, Sevilla.
The 29-year-old is Brian Sorensen’s side first summer signing.
“I’m super excited to be an Everton player,” Payne told evertonfc.com.
“It’s been my dream to play in the UK and in such a strong league like the WSL.
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“I’m excited to have the opportunity to play at a club like Everton with so much history in football.
“Now was the right moment for me to look for another challenge to push myself.
“It’s going to be different and new, and I’m really happy about my decision.”
Payne represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup where the Super Falcons lost on penalties to England in the Round of 16.
The versatile winger stated that her experience of playing against some of the best talent in the English top-flight only added her desire to move to Merseyside.
“I’m impressed with how the league is investing in teams and the league itself,” she continued.
“I see such a rapid growth and it’s something that I’m really excited and eager to be a part of.”
On his first signing of the transfer window, Sorensen told evertonfc.com: “I’m extremely happy to bring Toni to the Club.
“She is exactly the type of player we need. I’m 100-per-cent confident Toni can fit right into our team and into this league because she has a wealth of experience from Spain but also for the Nigeria national team.
“She can play multiple positions and is an intelligent player who is really fast. A player without any injury history, too, so we are confident she will be a big success for us.
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“The way we play, it’s very dynamic. We don’t operate with a typical front three, it’s more so about filling the right spaces and having the ability to create opportunities. That’s where she will fit in very well.
“Toni can play across the front line and in behind but can also do combination play and drop into midfield.
“All of these qualities make her a great asset and she will be an important player for us.”
By Adeboye Amosu
2 Comments
What an astute guy – to know these qualities about our very own superstar Toni says a lot about what kind of manager he is and I think it’s a win win for all concerned – Everton, Nigeria, Toni and Brian himself.
Well done Toni! I’m sure the WSL was made for you so I can’t wait to see you marauding up and down across the forward positions..Oya let’s go!
This story was well written. Loved it.