WSL: Everton sign Louna Ribadeira on loan from Chelsea | OneFootball

Louna Ribadeira has joined Everton in a loan move from Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea. The forward will represent the Toffees until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The 20-year-old forward initially joined Chelsea on a four-year deal from French side Paris FC. During her time in France, Ribadeira made more than 40 appearances and was awarded the Division 1 Feminine Young Player of the Year award last season. Ribadeira returned to Paris FC on loan for the first half of this season, however she only made two appearances while back on home soil.

Ribadeira has a wealth of experience for someone who is so young. She has more than 60 senior club appearances and she made her debut for the French national team in their 2-1 win against England in May. Before making her senior international debut, Ribadeira played for both the U-17s and U-19s. It was with the latter where she was the top goalscorer and named Player of the Tournament at the U-19 Euros in 2023.

This vast experience meant Ribadeira was a player in high demand during the January transfer window. Other WSL clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City were believed to also be interested in the young forward, however Brian Sørensen’s side came out on top.

“I’m very happy to be here because Everton is one of the best clubs in the WSL,” said Ribadeira following her move. “It’s good to get experience in this league because I know this league is tough — it’s aggressive, it’s physical. So I think it’s a good step to progress and to adapt.”

The young French star arrives on Merseyside ahead of Everton’s first WSL match of the year against Aston Villa. The Toffees currently sit in ninth after a tough start to the season with injuries. A win at the weekend would see them jump ahead of the Villans.

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