Holmgaard Pens New Deal

Midfielder Karen Holmgaard has signed a new one-year contract with Everton.

 The Denmark international becomes the third player this summer to extend their stay with the Club after new deals for captain Megan Finnigan and Aurora Galli, while Scott Phelan’s side have also been strengthened by the signings of forwards Holly McNamara, Noémie Mouchon, Hannah Cain and Jutta Rantala, attacker Zara Kramžar and defender Hannah Blundell.

 Holmgaard is now eyeing a return to action for the Blues as she continues her rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in January.

The 27-year-old signed for the Toffees in August 2022 along with her twin sister Sara and has proven a popular player with teammates, staff and fans, with her ability on the pitch and leadership off it. 

The Dane worked tirelessly behind the scenes to return from a hip injury in time for the 2025 European Championships, going on to make 11 appearances for Everton in the WSL in 2025/26, claiming an assist in a memorable 4-1 win against rivals Liverpool.

“My recovery is going really well,” Holmgaard told evertontv. “It is a slow process and it is all about patience, but it is going really well.

 “I am not that long in my recovery. It will take a little while, but when I am back I am sure I will be so proud and I cannot wait. I am so, so excited. I am dreaming about the day I return.

 “I am really proud to have signed a new contract here. I have been here for quite a long time now and have enjoyed it. Hopefully, I can come back stronger. I am just excited to be back on the pitch and help the team.

 “The Club means a lot to me. I have been here for four years now. I want to keep working, keep developing. I think the values I stand for are the same as Everton Football Club. I am a hard worker and I am excited to show that on the pitch when I am back.”

As well as putting on the royal blue shirt again, Holmgaard is also targeting featuring for Denmark at next summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

 She added: “The World Cup in Brazil is a goal for me. I know I have a lot of things to work on, and I hope my recovery goes as good as it is going now, and then I will have a chance. But for me, the most important thing to come back fit, to feel good, and be happy.

 “I am a hard worker, so I am working every day to be the best and to be back fit. I can't wait to be back.”

 Technical Director of Everton, Nick Cox, said: “Karen is progressing well from her injury. Her results on the first day of pre-season testing were very impressive and underlines all the hard work she has put in to be back fit.

 “She is an important part of Scott’s squad. Even when she’s been out, Karen has continued to support her teammates and be an influence in the dressing room. We look forward to welcoming her back on the pitch soon for her to once again showcase her talent.”