Everton Women are set for a challenging 2026-27 Women's Super League season under new manager Scott Phelan, as reported by The Guardian this week. The club finished 8th in the final 2025 table with 23 points from 22 games, a position they will look to build upon with a refreshed squad.
The Toffees concluded the previous campaign with a recent form of WLLLL, having scored 25 goals but conceded 37. This left them with a -12 goal difference and a significant 32 points behind the champions, Manchester City Women. The full standings from last season show the scale of the task ahead for Phelan in his first senior managerial role at the age of 38.
Who are Everton Women's new signings?
The club has been active in the transfer market, bringing in five new faces. The arrivals include forward Jutta Rantala, midfielder Noémie Mouchon, and attackers Hannah Cain and Zara Kramzar. Perhaps the most experienced addition is 32-year-old defender Hannah Blundell. These signings aim to address a squad whose wage bill is reportedly five times smaller than that of rivals Chelsea. Fans can view the updated squad list online.
Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan commented on the preparations, saying, "It's been a tough pre-season for the physical load." The team trains at the Finch Farm complex and plays its home games at the historic Goodison Park.
What are the tactical challenges facing the team?
A key area for improvement is chance creation. Last season, Everton had the third-fewest shots in the entire WSL. Despite this, they demonstrated a potent counter-attacking threat, scoring the joint-most goals from fast breaks. Integrating the new attacking talent to boost overall output will be a priority for Phelan and his staff. Detailed team stats from the last campaign highlight these contrasting strengths and weaknesses.
How does the first-team squad shape up?
Alongside the new signings, several existing players will be central to the season. Holly McNamara, 23, joined the club on a free transfer and will be looking to make an impact. Defender Naomi Layzell, 22, returns after a loan spell at Manchester City and will bolster the back line. The club's ownership changed hands recently, having been sold to Roundhouse Capital Holdings.
What is the realistic aim for the season?
External predictions are cautious, with The Guardian preview forecasting a 10th-place finish for Everton. This would represent a step back from last season's 8th-place position. The primary objective will be to solidify a mid-table standing and develop a more consistent style of play. The season's fixtures will provide an immediate test of the team's progress under the new management team. The campaign begins with the squad looking to reverse the negative goal difference that defined their previous term.
