Manchester United midfielder Hayley Ladd is set to sign a permanent deal with Women’s Super League (WSL) side Everton, according to a new report.

Ladd has played only eight minutes in the league for United during the 2024/25 season, with head coach Marc Skinner opting against using the previously regular defensive midfielder amid competition from the likes of Grace Clinton, Dominique Janssen and Lisa Naalsund. The 31-year-old has started on three occasions thismpaign, all of which have been in the League Cup.

Previous reports had emerged that Ladd was eager to depart Carrington during the transfer window, with the Wales international eager to clinch more playing time ahead of this summer’s European Championships in Switzerland. Wales secured qualification for Euro 2025 after scraping past the Republic of Ireland in a second-leg thriller at Dublin’s AVIVA Stadium in December.

As per a new report from The Athletic, Ladd has already completed her medical at Everton, and is believed to have signed a 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee, with an optio for another year.

Her arrival in Merseyside will certainly bolster Brian Sorensen’s Everton side, having also signed Kelly Gago and Martina Fernandez this transfer window. Bringing a wealth of experience to the team, Ladd’s versatile ability to play in both midfield and defence will add great depth to Everton.

Ladd’s United teammate Emma Watson has already sealed her loan move to the club this January transfer window, signing a deal that will see her stay until the summer.

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