Everton Sign Versatile Forward Rantala

Everton have signed forward Jutta Rantala from Leicester City after triggering a release clause for the Finland international.

The 26-year-old becomes the Blues’ sixth signing of the summer transfer window following the arrivals of fellow forwards and ex-Foxes teammates Noémie Mouchon and Hannah Cain, attackers Zara Kramžar and Holly McNamara, and defender Hannah Blundell.

Leicester’s 2023/24 Player of the Season in her maiden campaign with the club, Rantala brings goalscoring and technical abilities to Scott Phelan’s Toffees, along with versatility at being able to play across the front three and in the No.10 role.

“I am really happy to be here,” Rantala told evertontv. “I am very excited to get started. I heard all about the history of the Club and it means a lot to the people in the stands.

“I had a really good feeling about the Club. I have seen how Everton plays so I am really excited to be part of that.

“I want to bring a lot of goals and assists. I am a pretty technical player, so I hope I can bring that and play well together with other players and show my experience.

“I play in mostly attacking roles: winger, as a 10 and leading the line. I would say I am good at shooting with both feet and I like to score from distance.”

Alongside recent recruits Cain and Mouchon, Rantala reunites with former Leicester teammates Ruby Mace and Yuka Momiki on the pitch, while linking up with First Team Coach Jennifer Foster once more.

The familiar faces played a key part in Rantala’s decision to make the switch to L4, with the Finland international also impressed after discussions with head coach Phelan.

“I met them [Mace and Momiki] after the last game of the season last year,” continued Rantala. “Then, at WorldSevens I had a few chats with them. I have been in good contact with Yuka, and now I am really excited to see them and play with them again.

“I had had a few chats with Scott and I had a really good feeling about him and how he likes to play football. It was all positive.”

Everton Technical Director, Nick Cox, said: “Jutta is a great addition to our squad and provides more attacking quality as the fourth forward to join us this summer.

“The fact she already knows some of our players and staff will help her settle in smoothly, with her humble personality sure to make her popular with our fans as well.

“Jutta has an eye for goal and possesses the ability to find her teammates in dangerous positions. She is an exciting player who we are confident will impress Evertonians."