Everton add Manchester City defender Naomi Layzell on loan

22‑year‑old Naomi Layzell joins Everton on a season‑long loan from Manchester City, confirmed by an official Toffees press release this afternoon. The defender becomes the seventh signing of Everton's summer window, adding depth to the back line.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the loan via the official club press release from the Toffees this afternoon. The announcement highlighted the strategic nature of the signing for Everton.

Layzell spent the last two seasons with Manchester City after joining the club from Bristol City in the summer of 2024. She developed under City’s coaching staff during that period.

She was a Barclays Women’s Super League and Adobe Women’s FA Cup winner with the Cityzens last term, underscoring her experience in top‑flight English women’s football. Those trophies underline her pedigree at the highest domestic level.

Internationally, Layzell has represented England at various youth levels up to and including the Under‑23 level and has trained with the senior squad. Her national‑team background adds further credibility to her profile.

Layzell said, “I am really excited at the opportunity to come to a big club like Everton. It is a change of environment and a new exciting challenge for me.” She added, “I am excited to be playing at a stadium like Goodison Park. It is a very well‑known stadium and the Club is one of the oldest in England, too.”

The defender explained, “I like to play centre‑back. I am quite athletic and aggressive but tend to be composed on the ball.” Her self‑assessment matches Everton’s need for a composed, versatile centre‑back.

For Everton, Layzell provides a proven defender with league and cup experience, bolstering their defensive options for the season. The loan gives the Toffees a reliable option in central defence.

For Layzell, the loan offers a fresh challenge and the chance to showcase her craft at a historic club. It represents an opportunity to further develop her game in a new environment.