Everton Sign Finland Forward Jutta Rantala from Leicester City
Everton have struck a deal to sign Finland international Jutta Rantala from Leicester City, landing one of the most dangerous forwards in last season’s Women’s Super League.
The 26-year-old still has a year left on her Leicester contract, so a fee is expected, but Everton clearly decided this was a battle worth winning. You don’t often get the chance to sign a club’s player of the season and top scorer straight out of a relegated side.
From Foxes talisman to Toffees spearhead
Rantala arrived at Leicester from Swedish side Vittsjo GIK in 2023 and wasted little time announcing herself. Thirteen goals in 48 appearances, a constant threat from the front and a campaign in 2023-24 that ended with individual honours: player of the season and leading goalscorer.
Then came the setback. A knee injury disrupted the following campaign, halting her momentum just as she looked settled as Leicester’s attacking reference point.
The numbers still speak loudly. For Finland, Rantala has 10 goals in 36 caps and was part of the squad at Euro 2025, a reminder that her influence stretches beyond club football. Everton are not just signing a finisher; they are adding a fully-fledged international forward used to carrying responsibility.
Leicester exodus gathers pace
Her departure continues a clear pattern at Leicester after their relegation from the WSL in June. Rantala becomes the sixth player to move on this summer, another key figure stepping away from a squad that only a few months ago was fighting to stay in the division.
The link between Leicester and Everton has been busy all window. France forward Noemie Mouchon has already swapped the Foxes for the Toffees on a free transfer, while Wales international Hannah Cain has returned to Merseyside from the Midlands.
Three attacking players, all heading the same way. For Leicester, it underlines the cost of dropping out of the top flight. For Everton, it looks like a targeted raid.
Phelan’s rebuild takes shape
Everton finished eighth in the WSL last season, a campaign overshadowed by the departure of manager Brian Sorensen. Stability was the first item on the summer agenda; Scott Phelan’s appointment as permanent head coach delivered that.
Now comes the squad surgery.
Rantala is set to be the fourth signing of the window as Phelan reshapes his forward line. With Mouchon and Cain already through the door, Everton’s attacking unit is being rebuilt with pace, movement and international experience in mind.
The ambition is clear: eighth is no longer enough. The question now is simple – with Rantala leading the line, how high can Everton aim in the new WSL season?
