Everton Sign Fernandez

Everton have signed Spain Under-23s defender Martina Fernandez on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season.

A Champions League title-holder and back-to-back Under-19 European Championships winner, the 20-year-old becomes the Toffees’ second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival of France international forward Kelly Gago.

A ball-playing central defender who can also operate at full-back, Fernandez is ready to “give everything on the pitch” to Everton and become another young talent to thrive under the guidance of manager Brian Sorensen.

“I am so excited to be here and I cannot wait to play,” Fernandez told evertonfc.com. “I know Everton is a historic club and that the fans are very supportive, so I cannot wait to meet them.

“They can expect hard work from me. I will give my everything on the pitch.”

An elegant defender who also never shies away from a challenge, Fernandez started her professional career at Barcelona, playing for the club’s B team before making her first-team debut in 2022.

The Spain youth international – where she was a teammate of summer signing Inma Gabarro – Fernandez established herself as a promising talent, scoring on her Champions League debut as the Catalan giants went on to lift the coveted trophy.

Now donning the royal blue of Everton, she outlined her determination to impress on Merseyside.

“Everton is a great club, the team is so good and the league – I love it!” Fernandez added. “It is a great change in my career and I can grow as a player.

“The Club has helped young players develop. I want this because I am a young player. It was one of the key reasons for coming here.

“I am so happy to be here. I will give my everything for Everton and am so proud to be one of the Toffees!”

On his second signing of 2025, Everton manager Sorensen said: “Martina is another young player who we see high potential in. Despite still being 20 years old, she is experienced at the top level and has an impressive CV.

“Martina is a dependable centre-back, who boasts versatility and is able as a full-back due to her strong ball-playing skills.

“Alongside her attributes on the field, she is a hard-working and friendly person, who I am confident will settle in swiftly at Everton.”