PREVIEW: What can we expect from Everton Women as Goodison Park beckons? | OneFootball

After a solid, if unspectacular, 2024/25 Women’s Super League campaign last year, Everton Women are approaching the 2025/26 season with optimism and expectation. The Toffees finished 8th last time out, securing some eye-catching results including a Merseyside derby double but were never really able to sustain a push towards the top half. Now, with an army of summer signings and the historic move to Goodison Park, the question is straightforward: can Brian Sørensen make Everton genuine contenders, or will this be another transitional season?

It has been a summer of history that has witnessed Everton make Goodison their permanent home and win new financial investment from the Friedkin Group. Off the field, the club is rejuvenated. On it, however, the challenge is less straightforward. Sørensen has overhauled significant portions of his squad, mixing international know-how with young potential. The Toffees’ ability to bind together in a hurry could very possibly shape their season.

Transfer business: New arrivals, high hopes

Everton’s transfer window has been one of the most active in the WSL. At the time of writing, eight new signings have been brought in, headed by record-signing Ruby Mace from Leicester City. The Lionesses midfielder will hopefully add dynamism and leadership in the middle of the park. Some of the other top additions are Maz Pacheco from Aston Villa, Japanese internationals Hikaru Kitagawa and Rion Ishikawa, attacking midfielder Yūka Momiki, and promising Barcelona youngster Martina Fernández. The loan signings of Katie Robinson (Aston Villa) and Ornella Vignola (Granada) add further depth.

The flip side is a mass exodus. Veterans Pauline Bremer and Maren Mjelde departed, and the exits of Sara Holmgaard, Heather Payne, and Rikke Madsen leave gaps in experience. Sørensen has sacrificed familiarity for potential, betting on new faces to drive Everton.

Sørensen under pressure

This will be Brian Sørensen’s third campaign at the helm, and it somehow feels like his most defining. He has the support of new owners, a rejuvenated squad, and the iconic backdrop of Goodison Park. But with those improvements comes expectation. The inconsistency struggles of last season — beating the best one week, struggling against relegation contenders the next — cannot be repeated. Sørensen’s task is to bring cohesion to a squad that appears totally revitalised, and to prevent another sluggish beginning.

Pre-season form: A glimpse of promise

Everton concluded pre-season with a 3-2 defeat to Juventus at Goodison Park. While the result was not the one they would have wanted, the performance was one of resilience. To recover from 2-0 down to draw and then lose late on, the Toffees showed character and attacking ability. The loss highlighted defensive weakness, yet against Italy’s champions, there were more than enough positives to carry into league action.

Player to watch: Courtney Brosnan

Between the sticks, Courtney Brosnan will be Everton’s go-to player this season. The Republic of Ireland international has become one of the most dependable goalkeepers in the WSL, with quick reflexes and a level head when things start to get hectic. With a revamped backline still getting their feet used to playing with one another, Brosnan’s ability to stop shots and organisational skills will be crucial in making Everton competitive. Her consistency can be the difference between yet another mid-table finish and a genuine push up the table.

Key signing: Ruby Mace

The record signing of Ruby Mace is a statement of intent. Just 21, Mace has already gained WSL experience with Manchester City and Leicester City, and international acclaim with England. Her versatility allows her to anchor midfield or fit into defence, providing Everton with tactical flexibility. If she gets off to a flying start, Mace can be this side’s heartbeat and a reflection of the club’s reawakened ambition.

Stepping into a new era

There is a sense of reset about this season for Everton Women. Signing a record player, making the move to Goodison Park, and the injection of international players all point to the Toffees no longer being content with mid-table obscurity. Younger, fresher, and full of potential, this team may need time for partnerships to develop. Taking 6th or 7th spot is a realistic challenge, with an outside chance of disrupting the top five if the team gels early.