Football News Update: Everton Set to Sign Nigerian Striker Toni Payne and Spanish Midfielder Inma Gabarro from Sevilla
In a significant move in the upcoming Women’s Super League (WSL) transfer window, Everton are poised to secure the signings of Nigerian forward Toni Payne and Spanish midfielder Inma Gabarro, both from Sevilla.
The duo are understood to be on the verge of completing their transfers to the Merseyside club, where they were identified as key targets earlier this year. Payne has been with Sevilla since 2018, while Gabarro joined the Spanish side in 2019.
The official WSL transfer window is set to open on 24 June and will remain open until 13 September, ahead of the new season’s kickoff on 21-22 September.
Born in Alabama, USA, Payne initially represented the United States at youth international level before switching her allegiance to Nigeria. The 29-year-old was part of the Super Falcons squad that reached the knockout stage of last summer’s Women’s World Cup. Last season, she featured in all 30 of Sevilla’s Spanish top-flight league matches, scoring six goals.
Gabarro, 21, was a standout performer at the 2022 Under-20 World Cup, where she netted eight times to win the Golden Boot. The Spanish midfielder made her senior debut for her national team later that year, scoring on her first appearance against Argentina. She scored six league goals from 29 appearances for Sevilla last season.
Everton’s women’s team chief executive officer, Alan McTavish, recently announced that forward Toni Duggan will be leaving the club at the end of the month when her contract expires. The 79-time capped England international scored three times in 14 appearances for the Toffees last term.
“Everyone at Everton thanks Toni for her service and commitment to the club. From breaking into the senior team as a 16-year-old, to winning the FA Cup, she can be very proud of her contribution to Everton. We wish Toni all the best for the future.”
Everton finished eighth in the WSL last season, a comfortable 17 points clear of the relegation zone. The signings of Payne and Gabarro are expected to bolster the squad as the club aims to improve its performance in the upcoming campaign.
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