Everton Sign Jutta Rantala from Leicester City

Everton have moved decisively in the market, agreeing a deal to sign Finland international Jutta Rantala from Leicester City in a transfer that underlines their intent to climb the Women’s Super League table.

Leicester confirmed Rantala still has a year left on her contract, so Everton are set to pay a fee for the 26-year-old, who was the Foxes’ standout performer before injury halted her momentum.

This is not a one-off piece of business between the clubs. The lines between Leicester and Merseyside have been busy all summer. France forward Noemie Mouchon has already swapped the Midlands for Everton on a free, while Wales international Hannah Cain has returned to Merseyside from the relegated Foxes.

Rantala's Impact at Leicester

Rantala joined Leicester from Swedish side Vittsjo GIK in 2023 and quickly became the focal point of their attack. She struck 13 goals in 48 appearances, a return that earned her Leicester’s player of the season award and the club’s golden boot in 2023-24.

She looked like the foundation of Leicester’s future. Then came the setback. A knee injury in the following campaign disrupted her rise and stripped Leicester of their main attacking threat during a season that ended in relegation from the WSL in June.

Even with that cloud, her numbers and influence never really faded from view. On the international stage, Rantala has 10 goals in 36 appearances for Finland and featured at Euro 2025, adding tournament experience to her résumé and a sharper edge to her game.

Her departure is another heavy blow for Leicester. She becomes the sixth player to leave since the drop, a clear sign of the churn that often follows relegation and the difficulty of holding onto top-level talent outside the top flight.

Everton's New Direction

For Everton, it’s the opposite story: a squad being reshaped with purpose.

They finished eighth in the WSL last season, a campaign overshadowed by the departure of manager Brian Sorensen. The club has turned the page, handing Scott Phelan the job on a permanent basis this summer and backing him in the market.

Rantala would be the fourth new arrival of the window, and arguably the most significant. A proven WSL goalscorer. An international forward in her prime. A player who has already shown she can carry a team’s attacking burden.

Everton have been searching for a sharper edge in the final third. If Rantala returns to full fitness and finds the form that lit up Leicester, Phelan’s side won’t just be looking upwards from mid-table — they’ll be aiming to disturb the established order.