France international striker Kelly Gago has signed for Everton from FC Nantes for an undisclosed fee, with the 25-year-old set to join the Blues when the winter transfer window opens on 1 January, subject to international clearance.
A quick, powerful forward, Gago was sought-after by other clubs around Europe but was attracted by the energy of Brian Sorensen’s Everton team and the family-feel of the Club.
After becoming the Toffees’ first signing of the January transfer window, Gago – who will wear number 29 – vowed to “always give 100 per cent” in royal blue and revealed the attacking qualities she hopes to offer.
“My strengths are my speed, my physical presence, my power, and I can bring all of that to the team,” she told evertontv.
“I protect the ball well and like to keep possession of the ball. I also like to feature in the play with the women alongside me in my team, and most of all, I like scoring goals.
“I chose to come and play for Everton as I liked what Brian, the head coach, had to say and how his team plays. The way they attack as one and defend as one is what made me want to sign for this team and to help achieve the Club’s goals.”
Starting her professional career in France with Saint-Etienne, Gago moved to Italy in 2022, spending a season with Sampdoria before enjoying a prolific campaign at Parma in 2023/24.
Moving to Nantes last summer, the striker is now excited to showcase her talents in the Women’s Super League, having been impressed by Everton’s 2-1 victory over title-chasing Manchester City on Sunday ahead of the current winter break.
She added: “For me, the English league is one of the best leagues in the world.
“I find the English league to be extremely athletic and physical. That’s why I decided to come here to help achieve this club’s goals as well as my own.
“I was really happy for the coach and for the team that they won against Manchester City. I watched the match at home and I was impressed with the character they showed on the pitch and the way they didn’t let up at all from the first to the 90th minute.”
A clinical finisher, Gago notched her first goal for her nation in October, firing home against Switzerland in a friendly.
She added: “Blue is now definitely my favourite colour – it suits me well! I’m very proud and happy to represent this great club, Everton, and I hope to make them happy when I’m on the pitch in this beautiful blue shirt.”
On his first signing of 2025, Everton manager Sorensen said: “We see high potential in Kelly and she has really developed into a top talent, deservedly getting international recognition with France.
“Her speed and physicality is very impressive. Now she will need to adapt to the best league in the world, which we are convinced she will do.
“As well as her attributes on the pitch, Kelly is a humble, dedicated person off it. She is ready to work hard and we are confident she can be a popular player with Evertonians.”
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