Everton Women sign Republic of Ireland international Heather Payne | OneFootball

Heather Payne during FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. (Keith McInnes / SPP)

Everton have signed Republic of Ireland international Heather Payne following a four-year spell with US college side Florida State Seminoles.

Voted Ireland’s Young Women’s Player of the Year earlier this summer, as well as having competed at the recent World Cup, Payne joins on a two-year contract.

Payne told evertontv: “This is a great club and one that has a track record of developing talent.

“I’ve always wanted to come back and play in England. I think it’s one of the best leagues in the world.

“I’m really glad to have this opportunity to come back and see what I can do. I can’t wait to get going.”

Manager Brian Sorensen told evertonfc.com: “Heather is a player I have been tracking for a while.

“This summer we’ve gone for players who we feel have high potential but also have a level to come in and compete from day one, and Heather fits that criteria.

“The offensive side of her game, the way she dribbles with the ball, the speed she offers, it’s clear she’s an athlete.

“She played along the right side during her time in the US, and that’s where we see her fitting into our system, but she is capable of playing on the left, too.”

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