Everton have completed the signing of France international midfielder Kenza Dali on a two-year deal until the end of June 2023.
The 29-year-old is Blues boss Wille Kirk’s first signing of the summer transfer window after the expiry of her contract with West Ham United.
Dali made 44 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 13 goals, and has 34 caps for France.
The talented midfielder believes Everton is the ideal club for her to achieve her ambitions.
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“I’m really happy to join this Club,” Dali told evertontv. “It’s a big decision for me and I’m really happy and looking forward to start.
“I was impressed by Everton. The way the team plays is really good.
“I’m a player who loves to have the ball, to play in possession and Everton play like this.
Dali came through the academy ranks at Olympique Lyon and spent 10 years playing senior football in France with five different clubs.
The midfielder spoke of the French connection in the team with fellow international Valerie Gauvin, and how she is looking forward to linking up with her new teammates in midfield.
“I’m really looking forward to play with players like Izzy Christiansen,” added Dali.
“She’s got that experience in France and I think we can have a really good relationship.
“I know Valerie as well; I know how she plays.
“We’re all attacking players and I think it’s going to be really good to play together.
“Everton was a team that I always watched because of French players in the team.
“I love the way they play.
“The possession style is always attacking, always looking to score. This style is really me.
“As a player, I really imagine myself in a team like this, so I’m really happy to join it.”
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Everton Women Sporting and Commercial Director, Sarvar Ismailov, praised Dali's character both on and off the pitch, and told of his confidence the midfielder could have a big impact with the Blues.
“I want to welcome Kenza to our team," he said. "From the first moment we spoke we clicked. She is an amazing professional and, most importantly, a great person.
"She had offers from other major clubs in England and Italy who are in the Champions League but chose us which says a lot about her commitment to Everton.
"We welcome her with open arms and I am sure she will excel in the blue shirt of our beloved club and have a great impact.”
Manager Kirk was pleased to secure the French midfielder’s signature, adding her attributes will add to the competitiveness in his squad.
“Kenza is a fantastic addition to the squad,” he told evertonfc.com.
“We want all of our midfielders to possess slightly different characteristics from each other and Kenza is a good example of that.
“She can play in an eight or as a 10 role, but also slightly wider if we want to have her coming inside from the sides and picking up pockets of space.
“She is hard-working, a winner, and is a big threat in the final third.
“Without a doubt, she will deliver goal contributions, be that from scoring herself or through assisting others.”
