Manchester United Hayley Ladd is set to sign a permanent deal with Women’s Super League (WSL) opponents Everton, according to new reports.
Ladd has played only eight minutes for United during the 2024/25 season, with head coach Marc Skinner refusing to showcase the reliable defensive midfielder on the league stage. The 31-year-old has started on three occasions during the current campaign, all of which have been in the League Cup.
Previous reports had emerged that Ladd was eager to depart Carrington during the transfer window, with the Wales international eager to clinch more playing time ahead of this summer’s European Championships in Switzerland. Wales secured qualification for Euro 2025 after scraping past the Republic of Ireland in a second-leg thriller at Dublin’s AVIVA Stadium in December.
As per new reports from The Athletic, Ladd has already completed her medical at Everton, and is believed to have signed a 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee, with an option to extend for another year.
Her arrival in Merseyside will certainly bolster Brian Sorensen’s Everton side, having also signed Kelly Gago and Martina Fernandez this transfer window. Bringing a wealth of experience to the team, Ladd’s versatile ability to play in both midfield and defence will add great depth to Everton.
Ladd’s former United teammate Emma Watson has already confirmed her move to the club this January transfer window, signing a loan deal that will see her stay there for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.