Leonie Maier signs for Everton | OneFootball

As expected, Leonie Maier has signed for Everton after being released by Arsenal at the end of her contract.

Leonie Maier signs for Everton (image via Everton)

Leonie Maier has signed a two-year deal with Everton after she was released by Arsenal at the end of her contract.

The German defender signed for Arsenal in May, 2019. Taking to Instagram to announce her departure in May, Maier wrote, “Thank you for everything and for an unforgettable time!

“I will leave Arsenal. I am thankful and happy that I was part of this amazing club. I have had a really good time and have met so many great people and it was a pleasure to work with so many talented players. And also a big thank you to the coaches, the staff and the fans who always backed us no matter what.

“I wish the whole team all the best for the future and I gonna miss you but all the nice memories will always stay in my mind ❤️. @arsenalwfc 🔴⚪️”

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Maier, a right-back, made 12 appearances for Arsenal last season in the FA WSL, including six starts. She made 13 league appearances in her first season with the same number of starts.

“I’m really happy to join this Club,” Maier told evertontv. “Everton is a big club with a lot of history.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to play for this club, playing with my new teammates and working with the staff.

“It was time to experience something new. I was very impressed by Everton with how they play football.

“I’m a player who likes to play football, to play in possession and to attack. I feel Everton are playing that style of football.

“I think we have a great team and, in addition to the new signings, I think we can achieve something.

“I had a good conversation with Willie [Kirk]. He convinced me with his idea of playing football,” she added.

Leonie Maier 20 Arsenal during the Vitality Womens FA Cup 5th round match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Meadow Park, Borehamwood, England. WFAC – Arsenal and Crystal Palace

“He’s very ambitious which I like. He brings a good winning mentality. I’m a player who always wants to win. Since I started playing football, I hated to lose. It doesn’t matter if it’s in training or in a game, I always want to win.

“That’s how I was growing up. I have a winning mentality deep inside me.

“If you want to achieve something, you need that kind of mentality.

“That’s the reason why I’m here. The whole team would like to achieve something.”

Everton Women Sporting and Commercial Director, Sarvar Ismailov, added: “I am delighted to welcome Leonie to Everton.

“She is another talented addition to our squad which will improve our back four even further. We are strengthening in every position and Leonie will play a massive role next season. Welcome to the Toffees, Leonie.

Manager Willie Kirk says is pleased to be adding a player of Maier’s experience to his squad.

“It’s a great signing for us,” he told evertonfc.com. “We lost Ingrid Moe Wold last season after she retired which was a blow.

“It was important that we found a replacement who gave us similar attributes.

“Leo is somebody who is good on the ball, not only good defensively but who can also make final third entries and give us deliveries.

“She is a player who is experienced at international level and has won trophies in the past.

“Leo ticks all those boxes and more.

“An Olympic gold and a Euros winners’ medal in her back pocket, those experiences are going to be crucial to us in terms of our pursuit of silverware.

“She brings a lot of real important attributes in terms of on the pitch but also that experience.

“I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Arsenal are not expected to sign another right-back to replace Maier.