Belgium international midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet has joined Everton, signing a two-year deal with the Club until the end of June 2025.
The 31-year-old moves to Merseyside following two seasons with Reading in the English top-flight and brings a wealth of experience to Brian Sorensen’s squad.
Vanhaevermaet - the Club’s fourth summer signing after striker Martina Piemonte, goalkeeper Emily Ramsey and midfielder Emma Bissell - has competed at the highest level across Belgium, Germany and Norway.
Now continuing her journey in the Women’s Super League, the Belgian says it’s an honour to join such a prestigious club.
“I’m so happy to be at Everton,” Vanhaevermaet told evertontv. “This is a big club in English football and the women’s team has been progressing well over the past year.
“Everton already play at a good level; I hope I can help continue to improve that level and contribute to more success.”
Having played against the Blues last season, Vanhaevermaet believes manager Sorensen’s style of play will suit her game perfectly.
“The team play really good football and try to play out from the back, which I really love,” she continued.
“As a central midfielder, it’s a pleasure to play in that style of system.
“Brian knows women’s football really well. He has a certain style of the way he wants to play in and out of possession.
“I have read and heard really good things about him. It’s nice that a coach gives you confidence in the way he sees you in the team.
“I had a really good feeling with him and that’s something important for me - to feel a connection with the coach.
“I think I’m pretty good on the ball, composed, and my passing game is quite strong so my style will hopefully suit the way Brian wants to play.
“This is a really good quality team, and I hope I will fit in well.”
Having graced Walton Hall Park in recent years, Vanhaevermaet is honoured to call the ground her home for the coming seasons.
“The pitch is great, it was a pleasure to play there [in the past],” she added.
“The fans are really close to the pitch and I liked that a lot.
“I can imagine as an Everton player that it can give you a boost.
“I could tell that Everton fans are very supportive. I can’t wait to meet them and feel the support they are giving the team.”
After securing the Club’s latest signing, manager Sorensen said Vanhaevermaet brings vital experience to his side.
“Justine has shown a calm, composed presence during her time playing so far in England,” he told evertonfc.com.
“She brings experience from overseas and also in England which will be vital to the younger players in our group.
“Justine really impressed me in the games she played against us last season and in other games when I watched her.
“She’s extremely mobile, can cover a lot of ground and be a threat both in defensive and offensive set-pieces.
“The talks we have had have been really positive. She’s a clever person, knows what she wants and will be key for us.
“She’s a ball player and will grow in our team. She knows how to battle, to dig deep.
“Justine is an experienced player with a lot of qualities and I can’t wait to see how she performs with the other players in our squad.”
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