Crystal Palace sign former Everton midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Justine Vanhaevermaet following the Belgium midfielder’s departure from Everton.

The 33-year-old, whose stay on Merseyside ended following the expiry of her contract earlier this summer, has agreed a two-year deal with the Women’s Super League 2 side.

“I’m thrilled to have Justine join the team,” said the new Eagles boss Jo Potter. “She’s a real leader with a proven winning mentality, and her presence will be crucial for us.”

What qualities will Justine Vanhaevermaet bring to Crystal Palace?

Vanhaevermaet, who can also play in defence, will bring versatility and experience to the Palace midfield following last season’s relegation from the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Capped 77 times by Belgium, Vanhaevermaet became the second oldest player to score for her country at the European Championships when she nodded home a first-half equaliser against Spain at this summer’s European Championships.

Vanhaevermaet’s leadership promises to lend Palace a potentially vital edge as they seek to rebuild in the aftermath of a difficult campaign that saw the club finish bottom of the WSL with just 10 points.

It was an unlooked for setback after tasting Championship glory the previous season, but Vanhaevermaet is confident her new side can bounce back quickly under Potter, who replaced Leif Smerud in June after the Norwegian, appointed to replace Laura Kaminski, left the club just two months into his tenure.

“I hate losing, so I hope and I’m sure we’re going to win a lot,” Vanhaevermaet told Palace TV.

‘I think I’m quite physical and I run a lot’

The former Everton star’s assimilation into the squad will be made easier by a broad frame of reference. After starting her career on home soil with Waasland-Beveren Sinaai Girls, RSC Anderlecht and Lierse SK, Vanhaevermaet went on to ply her trade in Germany and Norway before moving to the WSL.

She is confident her experience will stand her in good stead.

“When you come into a group of new people with a lot of different cultures, I think it’s easier to adapt to the different cultures that everyone is coming from,” Vanhaevermaet said.

An imposing figure at 6ft 1in, the Belgian will not need time to adjust to the physicality of the English game. Vanhaevermaet previously spent two seasons at Reading, quickly coming to terms with the knocks and scrapes that are part and parcel of the WSL, before moving to Everton in August 2023.

“I think I’m quite physical and I run a lot,” she said. “I like to implement that physical side of myself into my play.”

“I’ve spoken to the manager and she explained [to[ me her ambitions for this season,” Vanhaevermaet added.

“I immediately had a good feeling with her and the style of football she wants to play.”