Everton have signed full-back Maz Pacheco following the expiry of her contract with fellow Women’s Super League side Aston Villa.
The Philippines international becomes the Toffees’ eighth signing of the summer transfer window as Brian Sorensen’s side continue to strengthen ahead of their historic first season at Goodison Park.
Pacheco progressed through England’s youth age groups, traveling to the Under-17 and Under-19 European Championships, while making the squad for the Under-20 World Cup, before opting to play for her mother’s birth country, the Philippines, in 2024.
Born in Ormskirk, Pacheco spoke of her delight to return to the area and excitement to play at Goodison Park, the first stadium she visited as a child.
“It is amazing to join Everton,” the 26-year-old told evertontv. “To be at such a historic club is an unbelievable feeling. I wanted to stay in the WSL and give it my all.
“I have matured as a player and for Everton to be the club to bring me back home is fantastic. To be close to family, to have friends already in the squad, and to be able to come to play at Goodison Park is amazing.”
Pacheco continued: “It was my grassroots club that brought me to Goodison Park and we wore blue wigs. I remember sitting in the top tier. Returning to Goodison now, it is surreal how we have gone full circle and, 10 years later, it will be the Club that I play for.”
The opportunity to play at the WSL’s most iconic venue was not the only factor in Pacheco’s decision to join Everton, with positive discussions with manager Sorensen and the backing of the Club’s owners The Friedkin Group integral.
The defender, who will wear the number 33 shirt for the Blues, said: “To be at a club that has the backing of the owners, the Men’s team and the staff who work here is amazing. It is important to play for pride, to play for the badge. For me, it was a no-brainer after seeing the investment that Everton Football Club are putting into the Women’s side.
“That is what you want. You want a team that backs the project that you want to achieve. There are big things happening here and to be a part of it is special.
“Another attraction is the calibre of players already in the team and who Brian has brought in. They are players I can learn from.
“What is important is to make sure I push myself, make sure I grow and develop. The talks with Brian and how he wants to play matched with my philosophy.
“The conversations I have had with him, he is very honest and that is what I liked. So for me, it was buying into him, what he believes in, his philosophy. We have a good relationship.”
Sorensen outlined his reasons for making Pacheco’s signing a priority, while describing her key attributes.
“Maz is a top-quality player who will bring so much to the Club on and off the pitch,” said the Blues boss. “She has a lot of experience in this league and has good relationships with several members of our squad already.
“Maz has shown her talent throughout her time in the WSL, and I am delighted to have her with us at Everton.
“She believes in what we are working to do here and is determined to help the Club progress. She is an intelligent player and person and I am sure the fans will take to her quickly.
“Maz is another quality addition to our squad and gives us another reason to look forward to the historic season ahead.”
About The Author
Leave a Reply