Everton Women have confirmed the departures of seven players ahead of the 2026/27 season, signalling the start of a significant squad rebuild under newly-appointed head coach Scott Phelan.
The club announced that Katja Snoeijs, Emily Ramsey, Toni Payne, Kenzie Weir, Melissa Lawley and Elise Stenevik will leave when their contracts expire at the end of June. Meanwhile, Arsenal youngster Laila Harbert has returned to her parent club following the conclusion of her loan spell.
The departures come just days after Everton confirmed Phelan as the club’s permanent head coach following an impressive interim spell that guided the Toffees to an eighth-place finish in the Women’s Super League.
While attention will naturally turn towards potential arrivals, the scale of these exits highlights the size of the task facing Everton this summer.
Everton Women Departures
Players Leaving Everton:
- Katja Snoeijs
- Emily Ramsey
- Toni Payne
- Kenzie Weir
- Melissa Lawley
- Elise Stenevik
Loan Departure:
- Laila Harbert (returns to Arsenal)
Retirement:
- Lucy Hope
Total Senior Departures: 8
End of an Era for Several Familiar Faces
Among the most notable departures is Dutch international Katja Snoeijs, who leaves after three seasons on Merseyside.
Snoeijs became a fan favourite during her time at Everton thanks to her work rate, professionalism and knack for delivering in big moments. Few players embodied the intensity of the Merseyside derby quite like the Netherlands forward, who scored in three consecutive meetings with Liverpool, including a decisive penalty in the 2024 victory over Everton’s city rivals.
Her departure leaves a significant gap in Everton’s attacking options and removes one of the club’s most recognisable figures.
Goalkeeper Emily Ramsey also departs after initially joining on loan from Manchester United before making the move permanent in 2023. Although Courtney Brosnan remained Everton’s first-choice goalkeeper, Ramsey established herself as an important member of the squad and produced several memorable moments, including two penalty saves in a League Cup shootout victory over Nottingham Forest.
Experience Leaves the Dressing Room
Toni Payne’s departure may prove equally significant. The Nigeria international arrived from Sevilla in 2024 and brought valuable experience to Everton’s forward line. During her time with the club, Payne also added another major achievement to her career by winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
Melissa Lawley’s exit removes another experienced presence from the squad. The winger joined Everton from Liverpool in 2024 and provided versatility across attacking positions, while also spending time on loan at Burnley during the 2025/26 campaign.
Meanwhile, defender Elise Stenevik leaves after nearly four years at the club. The Norwegian reached 50 appearances for Everton and became a popular figure among supporters thanks to her consistency and reliability at the back.
Young Talent Also Moves On
Not every departure comes from the experienced core of the squad. Scottish defender Kenzie Weir leaves having progressed through Everton’s pathway after signing her first professional contract in 2022.
Although opportunities were limited at senior level, Weir’s development continued during a loan spell at Ipswich Town last season and was rewarded with her first senior Scotland call-up earlier this year.
Laila Harbert’s return to Arsenal was expected following the completion of her temporary spell, but Everton supporters will be interested to see whether the club explores another loan move for a young player next season.
Lucy Hope’s Retirement Marks an Emotional Farewell
Perhaps the most emotional departure of all comes through retirement. Former Scotland international Lucy Hope has announced the end of her professional playing career after seven years with Everton.
Hope’s contribution to the club extends far beyond statistics. During her time in royal blue, she became one of Everton’s most versatile and dependable players, capable of performing in multiple positions whenever needed.
Supporters will particularly remember her long-range winner against Liverpool at Anfield in 2019 and her crucial equaliser against Chelsea during Everton’s memorable FA Cup run to Wembley.
Following the birth of her son in late 2025, Hope stepped away from football during the season and has now chosen to begin the next chapter of her life away from the professional game. Her departure represents the loss of a player who helped define an important period in Everton Women’s recent history.
What These Departures Mean for Everton
Releasing seven players and seeing another retire naturally raises questions about Everton’s plans for the summer transfer window.
The departures create room within the wage structure and open several positions across the squad. Everton now face decisions in attack, midfield, defence and goalkeeping as they look to strengthen ahead of the new campaign.
This level of turnover is often associated with clubs entering a new phase, and that appears to be the case at Everton.
The appointment of Scott Phelan as permanent head coach offers stability after the uncertainty surrounding Brian Sorensen’s departure. However, the squad he inherits could look very different by the time the Women’s Super League season begins.
A Defining Summer Ahead
Everton’s second season at Goodison Park was always likely to be important. The club has made significant progress both on and off the pitch, attracting some of the strongest attendances in the Women’s Super League and ending last season with renewed optimism under Phelan.
Now comes the next challenge. Replacing experienced players such as Snoeijs, Payne, Hope and Stenevik will not be straightforward. At the same time, the departures create an opportunity to reshape the squad and build a group capable of pushing higher up the table.
The coming weeks could prove defining for Everton Women. While supporters say goodbye to several familiar faces, attention will quickly turn towards who arrives next as the club begins its latest chapter.
Source: Everton Women
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