Leicester City striker Jutta Rantala completes move to Everton

Leicester City striker Jutta Rantala has joined Everton from the Foxes, becoming the third Leicester player to make the switch to Merseyside this summer. The Finland international’s departure comes as Leicester City sit 23rd in the Championship with 46 points from 46 games and a recent run of WDDLL form.

How the transfer unfolded

Everton confirmed the signing of Rantala on Wednesday, activating an undisclosed release clause in her Leicester contract. The 26-year-old had one year left on her deal at the Foxes after joining from Swedish club Vittsjo GIK in 2023. BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that the two clubs had agreed terms for the transfer, the third Leicester player to join Everton in as many weeks.

Noemie Mouchon, a France forward, left Leicester for Everton on a free transfer last week. Wales striker Hannah Cain returned to Merseyside two days later, also from the Foxes. Rantala scored 13 goals in 48 appearances for Leicester, winning the club’s player of the season award and finishing as top-scorer in 2023-24. She missed much of the following campaign with a knee injury.

What it means for both clubs

For Everton, the signing is part of Scott Phelan’s rebuild after they finished eighth in the WSL last season. The Toffees have now brought in six players from Leicester, including Rantala, Mouchon and Cain. Phelan was appointed permanent manager this summer following Brian Sorensen’s departure.

For Leicester City, Rantala’s exit is another blow after relegation from the Women’s Super League in June. She leaves as the Foxes’ sixth summer departure, with the club now 49 points behind Coventry in the Championship title race. Leicester have scored 58 goals but conceded 68, leaving them with a goal difference of -10.

What’s next for Rantala and Leicester

Rantala, who has 10 goals in 36 caps for Finland, featured at Euro 2025. She will now aim to help Everton push for a higher WSL finish under Phelan. Leicester City, meanwhile, must regroup after another summer of heavy turnover following their WSL drop. Their next league outing comes as they chase a return to the top flight while sitting 23rd in the Championship with a recent run of WDDLL form.