Arsenal midfielder Laila Harbert joins Everton on loan after NWSL stint | OneFootball

Oct 4, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Laila Harbert (4) warms up before a game against Bay FC at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Arsenal Women midfielder Laila Harbert has joined Everton on loan until the end of the 2025-26 season.

It is the third loan spell for the 18-year-old in the past 12 months, after previous stints with Southampton and Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Laila Harbert joins Everton on loan

Harbert is the second player to join Everton on loan this month, as Brian Sorensen looks to strengthen his squad, who have slipped into a relegation fight.

The Toffees previously announced the addition of Hannah Blundell from Manchester United earlier this month.

Speaking to Everton’s official website, Harbert said: “It is a big club with big ambitions and I am really excited to get going.

“Goodison Park is a big stadium – one that I think I will enjoy playing in. I have heard the fans are really good as well, so it will be nice to see them on Sunday.

“I am a very passionate player myself. The fans getting behind us here will really help us towards the second half of the season.

“I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started. Hopefully, I can help the team kick on.”

Harbert’s career so far

Harbert is an U20 England international who is set to get her first senior experience with a WSL team.

She joined Arsenal’s Academy at the age of nine but is yet to make her first senior appearance for the Gunners.

Harbert was first sent on loan to Watford during the 2023-24 season, where she scored three goals in 17 appearances.

She then spent the second-half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at WSL 2 side Southampton, where she made a further nine outings.

After returning to the Gunners in the summer, she was then sent on loan to the NWSL side Portland Thorns.

However, her game time was limited, as she played just 67 minutes across five appearances for the Thorns, who were knocked out by the Washington Spirit in the semi-finals of the Playoffs.

What is next for Everton?

Wins for Liverpool and West Ham at the weekend has blown the WSL relegation battle wide open, dragging Everton and Leicester City into the fight.

Just two points separate Leicester City in ninth to Liverpool, who are in 12th.

The Toffees, who are just one point above Liverpool in 10th, will hope to return to winning ways, when they host Aston Villa on February 1st.