Everton have signed England international midfielder Ruby Mace for a club record fee from Leicester City.
The 21-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Toffees, just two days ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.
Mace, who made her Lionesses debut against Switzerland last December, is regarded as one of England’s best young talents.
Everton Women were determined to sign Mace despite having a £100,000 bid rejected last month.
Though Everton have not disclosed the transfer fee which was agreed upon, the BBC have reported that it is ‘considerably more’ than what was offered last month.
Mace 12 appearances for Leicester after joining them on a permanent deal from Manchester City last summer. She had previously spent a year out on loan at the Foxes during the season beforehand.
She missed out on Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for Euro 2025, but is expected to challenge regularly to make the squad by the time of the World Cup in two years.
Ruby Mace is a 🔵. pic.twitter.com/9XNZbBFILc
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) September 3, 2025
What did Ruby Mace say after joining Everton?
Ruby Mace has told BBC Sport that the move to Everton feels ‘like a level’ up following her club record move from Leicester.
She told the broadcaster: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. It all happened so quickly but I’m really happy to be here.
“When I spoke to [Everton manager] Brian Sorensen, it was about the style of play and the ambition of the club.
“Also, just being able to showcase what I can do in a team that, feels to me, like it could be a level up. That’s what I need in this point in my career to push forward.”
Mace also highlighted the importance of playing at Goodison Park, which will be the permanent home of the women’s team, after the men’s side moved to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
She told Everton’s official website: “It is unreal that this is going to be the home of Everton Women. I am so excited to get started.
“I feel so at home here, the girls are lovely. Everyone is just backing everyone and I just can’t wait to get started on the pitch.
“I said to my parents when I first heard about Everton, how the owners making Goodison the Women’s new home shows just how much they are backing the team. It means so much to everyone.”
When does the Women’s Super League season begin?
Everton start their Women’s Super League campaign with the Merseyside derby against rivals Liverpool on Sunday, September 7th.
The Toffees’ opening month to the new WSL season also includes fixtures against Tottenham, London City Lionesses and Brighton.
