Everton Football Club have announced the signing of Toni Payne from Spanish side, Sevilla.

The Nigerian forward brings exciting experience to the Toffees front line, after competing with the Super Eagles during their campaign at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Speaking to EvertonTV, Payne expressed her excitement in signing for the Merseyside club:

“I’m super excited to be an Everton player. It’s been my dream to play in the UK and in such a strong league like the WSL.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.”

The 29-year old is Everton’s first signing of the transfer window, as manager Brian Sørensen described her as ‘exactly the type of player we need.’

Sørensen continued, expressing “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.

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.”