Everton agree deal to sign Leicester striker Jutta Rantala
Short overview
Everton have reached an agreement to sign Finland international Jutta Rantala from Leicester City. The 26-year-old striker, who scored 13 goals in 48 appearances for Leicester, is expected to move for a fee as she enters the final year of her contract.
Everton have agreed a deal to sign Finland international striker Jutta Rantala from Leicester City, the clubs have confirmed. Rantala, 26, has one year remaining on her contract with the Foxes, meaning Everton are expected to pay a transfer fee to secure her services.
BBC Sport reported last week that the two clubs were in discussions, having already conducted business together this summer. France forward Noemie Mouchon joined Everton from Leicester on a free transfer, while Wales international Hannah Cain also returned to Merseyside from the Foxes.
Rantala's record at Leicester
Rantala joined Leicester from Swedish club Vittsjo GIK in 2023 and has since scored 13 goals in 48 appearances. She was named Leicester's player of the season and finished as the club's top goalscorer in the 2023-24 campaign. However, she suffered a knee injury during the following season, which limited her involvement.
On the international stage, Rantala has scored 10 goals in 36 appearances for Finland and was part of the squad that competed at Euro 2025.
Leicester's summer exodus
Rantala would be the sixth player to depart Leicester this summer following the club's relegation from the Women's Super League in June. The Foxes are undergoing a significant squad rebuild as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Everton's summer rebuild
Everton are looking to build on last season's eighth-place finish in the WSL, which came after the managerial departure of Brian Sorensen. Scott Phelan was named his permanent successor this summer and has overseen four signings so far, including Rantala. The club is aiming to climb the table under Phelan's leadership.
More on these topics
Vidosic leaves Brighton days before WSL season starts
Brighton manager Dario Vidosic has left the club just a week before the new Women's Super League season to pursue a new opportunity. The Australian led Brighton to a fifth-place finish and an FA Cup final in his two seasons, with reports linking him to NWSL side Angel City.
Tottenham's Kirsty Hanson Signing Could Prove Summer's Smartest Deal
Kirsty Hanson's move from Aston Villa to Tottenham may have gone under the radar, but the Scotland forward was the WSL's third-highest scorer last season. With 12 goals in 22 matches, she could be the key to Spurs' top-three ambitions.
Gay World Cup Winner Faces Backlash After Saudi Move
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has faced criticism after joining Saudi Women's Premier League club Al Qadsiah, following her departure from Gotham FC citing personal reasons. Fans and LGBTQ+ advocates have expressed concerns over her safety in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
Sydney Leroux: From U-20 Star to World Cup Champion
Sydney Leroux made history at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Chile 2008, winning the Golden Ball and Golden Boot. She later helped the USA claim Olympic gold in 2012 and the Women's World Cup in 2015, cementing her legacy.
