Valerie Gauvin joins North Carolina Courage from Everton | OneFootball

North Carolina Courage have announced the signing of striker Valerie Gauvin from Everton for an undisclosed fee.

The France international has signed a one-year deal with the option of a second with the NWSL club.

It brings an end to Gauvin's 18-month spell in the WSL, having joined Everton from Montpellier in the summer of 2020.

Speaking to NC Courage's official club website, Gauvin said: “I am really proud to join the North Carolina Courage. Since the first conversation I had with Sean (Nahas), I had a great feeling about the organisation.

"When I was younger I had the opportunity to join the NCAA, but elected to sign pro in France. It was a difficult choice back then but I always knew playing in America would be something I wanted to experience.

“This is a new challenge in my career that really motivates me. I couldn’t be more excited to do it with a team that has reached the NWSL championship so many times and that will allow me to be a part of a competitive team in the NWSL from the jump.

"I’m looking forward to starting and giving it all for the fans and my teammates from the first day. Although things went really fast, I thank both clubs and my agent. I’m really happy to start this new adventure, see you soon NC!"

Gauvin's move to Everton in 2020 was seen as a real statement of intent for the Toffees, as they landed a player with real international pedigree.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a terrific start to life in the WSL, scoring three goals in her first five league outings for Everton and netting the winner in their famous FA Cup quarter final victory over Chelsea. She was also on the scoresheet against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

However, she suffered an injury in the FA Cup final, and has played more of a peripheral role this season, with Everton languishing in the lower half of the WSL