Everton have completed the signing of German international defender Leonie Maier on a two-year deal until the end of June 2023.
The 28-year-old right-back joins the Blues upon the conclusion of her contract with Arsenal and is the team’s fifth signing this summer following the arrivals of Kenza Dali, Toni Duggan, Anna Anvegård and Nathalie Björn.
A serial winner, Maier was victorious with Germany in the 2013 UEFA European Championship and won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The experienced and talented defender spent two years with the Gunners but felt the chance to move to ambitious Everton was one she could not turn down.
“I’m really happy to join this Club,” Maier told evertontv. “Everton is a big club with a lot of history.
“I’m really looking forward to being able to play for this club, playing with my new teammates and working with the staff.
“It was time to experience something new. I was very impressed by Everton with how they play football.
“I’m a player who likes to play football, to play in possession and to attack.
“I feel Everton are playing that style of football.
“I think we have a great team and, in addition to the new signings, I think we can achieve something.”
One of the deciding factors for the full-back to make the move to Merseyside was her conversation with manager Willie Kirk.
Maier’s desire to win matched the Blues boss’ and she believes that can pave the way for success with Everton.
“I had a good conversation with Willie. He convinced me with his idea of playing football,” she added.
“He’s very ambitious which I like.
“He brings a good winning mentality.
“I’m a player who always wants to win.
“Since I started playing football, I hated to lose.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s in training or in a game, I always want to win.
“That’s how I was growing up. I have a winning mentality deep inside me.
“If you want to achieve something, you need that kind of mentality.
“That’s the reason why I’m here.
“The whole team would like to achieve something."
Everton Women Sporting and Commercial Director, Sarvar Ismailov, said: “I am delighted to welcome Leonie to Everton.
“She is another talented addition to our squad which will improve our back four even further.
“We are strengthening in every position and Leonie will play a massive role next season. Welcome to the Toffees, Leonie.”
Manager Kirk says is pleased to be adding a player of Maier’s experience to his squad.
“It’s a great signing for us,” he told evertonfc.com. “We lost Ingrid Moe Wold last season after she retired which was a blow.
“It was important that we found a replacement who gave us similar attributes.
“Leo is somebody who is good on the ball, not only good defensively but who can also make final third entries and give us deliveries.
“She is a player who is experienced at international level and has won trophies in the past.
“Leo ticks all those boxes and more.
“An Olympic gold and a Euros winners’ medal in her back pocket, those experiences are going to be crucial to us in terms of our pursuit of silverware.
“She brings a lot of real important attributes in terms of on the pitch but also that experience.
“I’m looking forward to working with her.”
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