Everton Women have completed the signing of Martina Fernandez following a successful loan spell last season.
The 20-year-old returns to the Toffees after she was announced as their Young Player of the Season for 2024-25.
Fernandez will now permanently play her football at Goodison Park, after Everton signed the defender from Barcelona for an undisclosed fee.
Why Martina Fernandez has left Barcelona for Everton
Martina Fernandez explained her decision to leave Barcelona for Everton in an interview with the club’s official website.
She said: “The past five months were amazing because of everyone: the girls, the fans – everyone. So I couldn’t say no at the chance to come back.
“I can’t wait, honestly. This big, historical stadium – I will really enjoy playing in it.
“I think playing at Goodison Park is not just good for us, it is good for women’s football in general for us to start playing here and having this as our own stadium.”
Welcome home, Martina Fernandez! pic.twitter.com/xkte8XVzoe
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) July 18, 2025
Everton manager Brian Sorensen said signing Fernandez was one of the club’s priorities this summer.
He added: “As she showed last season, Martina is a brilliant player and also a great person. Despite her young age, she is a real leader and I admire the way she plays football and wants to improve.
“She is aggressive and strong, yet has a calmness to her passing and decision-making. I am so pleased she is back home and believe she will help the new signings settle in at the Club.
“Martina showed her capabilities last season and deservedly claimed our Young Player of the Year Award. I am excited to see what she can achieve this season and to watch her grow.”
Who else have Everton signed this summer?
Compared to the rest of the Women’s Super League, Everton have been one of the busiest teams when looking at the completed deals in the summer transfer window.
Martina Fernandez is the seventh signing made by Everton this summer.
Everton have signed Japanese trio Yuka Momiki from Leicester City, Rion Ishikawa from Urawa Red Diamonds, and Hikaru Kitagawa from BK Hacken.
The Toffees also completed permanent moves for Rosa van Gool from Ajax, and Ornella Vignola from Granada.
Everton’s final transfer so far this summer is Katie Robinson on loan from Aston Villa.
The Toffees will discover on Friday, July 25th, who they will play first in the upcoming campaign when the WSL fixtures are announced.
