Everton Sign Young Lioness Layzell On Loan

Everton have signed England Under-23s defender Naomi Layzell on a season-long loan from WSL champions Manchester City.

The 22-year-old was called up by Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman to train with the senior side in February 2024, and has since gone on to impress for Manchester City – the youngster opening the scoring in a historic 2-0 victory against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League two seasons ago.

Layzell made three appearances in the WSL last season as City went on to lift the league title, and played every minute of Andrée Jeglertz’s side’s 3-1 victory against Everton in the League Cup.

The centre-back becomes Everton Women’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window following the additions of forwards Noémie Mouchon, Hannah Cain, Holly McNamara and Jutta Rantala, attacker Zara Kramžar and defender Hannah Blundell.

“I am really excited at the opportunity to come to a big club like Everton,” Layzell told evertontv. “It is a change of environment and a new exciting challenge for me.

“I am excited to be playing at a stadium like Goodison Park. It is a very well-known stadium and the Club is one of the oldest in England, too.

“The Women's team has been long-standing so to come and play for a club like this is a nice opportunity.

“Hopefully coming here, I will be able to show more of my craft and get an opportunity to show what I can do and the player I am.

“I like to play centre-back. I am quite athletic and aggressive, but tend to be composed on the ball.”

Born in Gloucester, Layzell progressed through the youth systems with Bristol City and England before making her Robins debut in a 4-0 win over London Bees in October 2020.

Promising performances in the south west led to a move to Manchester City in August 2024, while also gaining the attention of Wiegman on the international stage.

“I always feel super proud when playing for England,” continued Layzell. “I think it is an honour to be able to represent your country.

“To be part of a team and a group of girls who can do that is a really proud moment for me.

“At the time it [call-up to the Lionesses’ senior training camp] was completely unexpected. I was at Bristol City and was quite in awe to go in. Going into that environment, it gave me a bit of a taste of what potential I have and what I could do.

“I have had some setbacks since then, but the aim is to go back and eventually reach where I think I can go.”

On the addition of Layzell to Scott Phelan’s squad, Everton Technical Director, Nick Cox, said: “Naomi is an exciting young talent who will strengthen our defensive options.

“Playing at the pinnacle of club football in the WSL and Champions League, while shining on the international stage with the Young Lionesses, evidences her qualities and potential to get even better.

“We are delighted that Manchester City see our environment at Everton as one that will support the development of young players, which is an important focus for us moving forward.”