Everton agree deal to sign Leicester’s Rantala

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Everton have reached an agreement to sign Finland international forward Jutta Rantala from Leicester City. The 26-year-old still has one year left on her Leicester contract, and BBC Sport says Everton are therefore expected to pay a transfer fee. The report was published on 21 July 2026 by BBC women’s football reporter Emma Sanders.

Rantala joined Leicester from Swedish side Vittsjo GIK in 2023 and has registered 13 goals in 48 appearances for the club. She was Leicester’s leading scorer and player of the season in 2023-24, although her following campaign was affected by a knee injury. At international level, she has scored 10 times in 36 matches for Finland and was included in the national squad for Euro 2025.

The move would continue a busy summer of business between Everton and Leicester. BBC Sport notes that Everton have already signed France forward Noemie Mouchon from Leicester on a free transfer, while Wales international Hannah Cain has also returned to Merseyside from the Foxes. BBC Sport had reported last week that the clubs were in talks over further transfer activity.

The deal also reflects contrasting circumstances for the two clubs. Leicester were relegated from the Women’s Super League in June and Rantala would be their sixth departure of the summer. Everton, who finished eighth in the WSL last season, are reshaping under Scott Phelan after Brian Sorensen’s managerial exit; Rantala would add to four signings already made this summer.