Everton have signed Scotland international Emma Watson on loan from Manchester United until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The 18-year-old midfielder joins as the Blues’ third signing of the January transfer window, following the transfer of France international forward Kelly Gago and loan arrival of Spain Under-23s defender Martina Fernandez.
Watson believes Everton has proven to be a positive environment for young players to develop, and she is looking forward to playing for manager Brian Sorensen’s side in front of Toffees supporters at Walton Hall Park.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be here,” Watson told evertontv. “I’ve really enjoyed my first day here, getting to meet everyone, getting to know the girls and having a look around the facility. I’m really excited.
“I can see everyone has really close connections and there’s that family feel. That’s definitely something I love about a football club. It’s got to be about connections; about trusting each other.
“I can 100 per cent say that with my short time at Everton so far, I can definitely see the family feel of the Club and I love it.
“You can see the young players do get opportunities and get a chance to play. I’ve heard really great things about Brian [Sorensen] and after listening to the Club and the way we play, I definitely think it’s a place that will really suit me and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Watson, who turns 19 later this month, already has experience of playing and scoring in the Champions League, as well as internationally for Scotland, netting against both Costa Rica and Finland as a 16-year-old in 2023.
Signing for Manchester United from Rangers in August 2023, she sustained an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury the following month. Out of action for more than a year, Watson made her return to the field in October 2024, facing Everton at Walton Hall Park in the League Cup.
“It was definitely massive for me,” she said, reflecting on her comeback. “I’d waited for that moment for a really long time, so it was a really special day. A bit nerve-wracking, but as soon as the game started, I just really enjoyed myself, just enjoyed the moment and I loved every single minute of it.
“I remember finishing that game and saying how nice of a pitch it was, and I liked how the fans feel really close to [the players]. I think it’s a brilliant environment.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting all the fans and playing in front of them.”
On the arrival of Watson, Everton manager Sorensen said: “We’re very happy to have Emma joining us. She’s a well-rounded midfielder who brings lots of different qualities to our team.
“She’s very young but already has a lot of experience and maturity. We’re really excited to be working with her for the rest of the season.”
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