Manchester United’s Emma Watson has signed for Everton, who sit 9th in the Barclays Women’s Super League, on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 18-year-old joined United from Rangers in summer 2023, but an ACL injury saw her sidelined for the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign. She made her competitive debut against Everton in October 2024 before netting her first goal against Newcastle in December, both in the League Cup.
Watson is the Toffees’ third signing of the window, following fellow loan player Martina Fernandez from Barcelona and French forward Kelly Gago who has joined on a permanent deal.
The Scotland international said: “I’ve really enjoyed my first day here, getting to meet everyone, getting to know the girls and having a look around the facility. I’m really excited.
“You can see the young players do get opportunities and get a chance to play. I’ve heard really great things about Brian [Sorensen] and after listening to the Club and the way we play, I definitely think it’s a place that will really suit me and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Having not yet had the opportunity to break into the first team at United, a loan move could provide more consistent minutes for the youngster as Everton look to break free of the bottom places.
Toffees boss Brian Sorensen has been plagued by injuries this season, with three players sustaining ACL tears, as well as off-pitch uncertainty around funds. The team have collected only nine points from their opening ten league games. A depleted squad has made life difficult, but Sorensen hopes their new addition can bolster the midfield.
“We’re very happy to have Emma joining us. She’s a well-rounded midfielder who brings lots of different qualities to our team.
“She’s very young but already has a lot of experience and maturity. We’re really excited to be working with her for the rest of the season.”
Watson’s first appearance in blue could come as soon as this Sunday, when Everton host last year’s runners-up Tottenham Hotspur in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.