Everton have signed Netherlands Under-23 midfielder Rosa van Gool following the expiry of her contract with Dutch giants Ajax.
The 21-year-old talent becomes manager Brian Sorensen’s first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window ahead of an exciting new era for the Women’s team at their new home of Goodison Park.
An all-action central midfielder, van Gool boasts an impressive CV at the top level despite her young age. Having progressed through Ajax’s youth system, she made 19 senior appearances for the Amsterdam club during the 2024/25 season.
Van Gool, who will wear the number 8 shirt for the Blues, was also integral to Ajax’s Champions League run the previous campaign, where they progressed to the quarter-finals after beating Roma and Bayern Munich.
Now raring to go in England, she expressed her desire to get started with the Toffees and outlined talks with boss Sorensen as a key reason for her becoming a Blue.
“I am really excited to be here. I can’t wait to start,” Van Gool told evertontv. “My dream was always to play in England and I think this is the best competition in the world right now, so it’s a great place for me to develop. Everton is such a historical club and it’s amazing I can play here.”
She continued: “I love the identity of the Club and I think the way Everton want to play is a style that suits me. I am really happy to be here and from the first moment it feels like home. I really like it here and I had good talks with Brian.”
Discussions with Sorensen were not the only attraction to Everton for the midfielder, with the opportunity to play at Goodison Park for a club backed by owners The Friedkin Group making it an easy decision.
“I think playing at Goodison Park will be surreal. I have been there for a tour and it shows the rich history of Everton,” said van Gool. “It is amazing I am joining this club and in my first season, I’m going to play at Goodison Park. I can’t wait.
“Looking at all the games at Goodison Park with the Men’s team, at the atmosphere that is there: I think it’s amazing.
“The development of women’s football is really important to me and with the owners of this club, I can see they are really progressing it and the women’s team is a big part of Everton.”
On what she hopes to bring to Everton, van Gool added: “I am a midfielder who wants to be an important piece between the defenders and the attackers. I really like to build from the back and turn away from my opponent.
“I hope to score goals, to give assists and key passes. I hope to be important for this team and to win as much as possible.”
Toffees boss Sorensen discussed the midfielder’s potential and explained his reasons for making her signing a priority.
“Rosa is a huge talent and I am delighted to have her with us at Everton,” he said. “She combines promise with skill to make her one of the most exciting players in women’s football.
“Rosa transitions play from defence to attack excellently, possessing the ability to break up play in a defensive position and then create attacking scenarios through her impressive range of passing.
“Her performances against Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich evidenced her ability to play at the top level and I am excited to watch her thrive in the best league in the world.”
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