Everton officially locked down full-back Lucy Blundell on a permanent deal today. The 32-year-old is back at Goodison Park after a loan spell from Manchester United last season that left everybody wanting more. And by everybody, I mean the club, the fans, and most importantly, the player herself.
Blundell joined on loan in January and made 10 appearances for the Toffees. She helped them finish eighth in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Not a headline-grabbing finish, but the kind of steady work that kept Everton in the conversation. Now she’s signed on a free transfer, no fee involved, and she’s already talking like someone who found her home.
“I am really happy. It is a proud moment for me and my family, and is something I wanted to do,” Blundell said after the deal went through. “As soon as I knew Scott [Phelan] was going to be the manager, it was an easy decision for me to stay. I am really excited to get going.”
Manager Scott Phelan is a big part of why this happened. Blundell didn’t just say his name. She made it clear that knowing he’d be in charge made the decision simple. That kind of public buy-in from a veteran player matters, especially this early in a manager’s tenure.
Blundell also brought up the World Sevens tournament in May, a moment she says showed what this squad is really about. “You could see the happiness we had … I think everyone showed their true colours. The girls are fantastic. It makes it so easy to play alongside them, and I think that bodes well in bringing the togetherness in the group.”
She didn’t stop there. “The Club is a very special one. It is something I am very proud to be a part of. I think the history shows itself and I am extremely proud to be wearing the badge properly this time. Hopefully, we can create some special memories together.”
That line about “wearing the badge properly this time” isn’t subtle. It’s a loan-to-permanent move that clearly meant more to her than just a contract. She’s got a sense of ownership now, a long-term stake in what Everton is building.
Blundell is the third signing of Everton’s summer window. The club hasn’t announced who else is coming or going yet. But with a veteran defender like Blundell locked in, and a new manager she’s openly excited to play for, the foundation is there. Now it’s about stacking the roster on top of it.
Everton kicks off the new WSL season in September. Blundell will be there, badge and all.
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