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SportsEverton sign Leicester forward Jutta Rantala, third transfer between clubs this summer
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Everton have confirmed the signing of Finland international forward Jutta Rantala from Leicester City, making her the third player to move between the two clubs this summer. The 26-year-old had one year remaining on her Leicester contract, and Everton activated an undisclosed release clause to secure her transfer. Rantala scored 13 goals in 48 appearances for Leicester since joining in 2023, was the club's player of the season and top scorer in 2023-24, but suffered a knee injury the following campaign. She has 10 goals in 36 caps for Finland and was part of their Euro 2025 squad. Rantala is the sixth player to leave Leicester this summer following their relegation from the Women's Super League in June. Everton, who finished eighth last season, have made six signings under new permanent manager Scott Phelan, including the trio from Leicester.
Source report
Updated: 22 July 2026 By: Emma Sanders, BBC Sport Women’s Football News Reporter
Image caption: Jutta Rantala was part of the Finland squad at Euro 2025
Everton have confirmed the signing of Finland forward Jutta Rantala from Leicester City.
According to Leicester City, Rantala had a year remaining on her contract. It is understood that Everton have activated an undisclosed release clause to sign the 26-year-old.
BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that the clubs — who have already agreed two previous deals this summer — had reached an agreement for her transfer.
Previous Transfers Between the Clubs
- Noemie Mouchon — The France forward joined Everton from Leicester on a free transfer last week.
- Hannah Cain — The Wales striker returned to Merseyside from Leicester two days later.
Rantala's Career Highlights
- Scored 13 goals in 48 appearances since joining Leicester from Swedish club Vittsjo GIK in 2023.
- Named Leicester's Player of the Season and top scorer in the 2023–24 campaign.
- Suffered a knee injury in the following season.
- Has scored 10 goals in 36 caps for Finland.
- Was part of Finland's squad at Euro 2025.
Summer Departures and Transfers
Rantala is the sixth player to leave Leicester this summer, following the club's relegation from the Women's Super League in June.
Everton, meanwhile, are looking to build on last season's eighth-place finish in the WSL following the departure of manager Brian Sorensen. Scott Phelan has been named his permanent successor this summer, and the club has made six signings so far, including the trio from Leicester.
Related Topics
- Football
- Women's Super League
- Women's Football
- Football Transfers
Source
BBC SportWestern
Part of this Story
Jutta Rantala becomes third Leicester player to join Everton