Everton have signed Australia striker Holly McNamara from Melbourne City on a free transfer, securing a two-time A-League Golden Boot winner who will wear the number nine as the club bolsters its attack; the 23-year-old joins summer recruits Noemie Mouchon, Hannah Cain and Zara Kramzar as Everton aim to convert ambition into better Women's Super League results.
Everton sign Holly McNamara as attacking reinforcement
Everton have completed the free signing of Holly McNamara from Melbourne City, adding a proven goalscorer to their Women's Super League squad.
The 23-year-old arrives with domestic pedigree and recent international experience, poised to assume the number nine shirt.
Transfer details and background
McNamara leaves Melbourne City after her contract expired and joins Everton amid reported interest from clubs across Europe and the United States. She has twice won the A-League Golden Boot and was named A-League Young Player of the Year in 2022.
International profile
McNamara featured in Australia's run to the 2026 Women's Asian Cup final, gaining experience in high-pressure continental fixtures that should help her adapt quickly to WSL intensity.
What McNamara brings to Everton
McNamara offers natural forward instincts, clinical finishing in the box and an appetite for leading the line. Her scoring record in Australia signals an ability to convert chances — a quality Everton have been eager to reinforce.
Her youth is paired with a track record of delivering in domestic competition, which suggests she can be both an immediate contributor and a player to develop into a longer-term focal point.
Fit with Everton’s summer recruitment
As Everton's fourth summer signing after Noemie Mouchon, Hannah Cain and Zara Kramzar, McNamara strengthens attacking depth and provides different stylistic options for the manager. That collective recruitment suggests a deliberate push to balance youth, versatility and goal threat.
Why this matters for the Women's Super League campaign
Adding a two-time Golden Boot winner is a clear signal of intent from Everton. The WSL’s competitiveness demands consistent finishing and squad depth; McNamara’s arrival addresses both needs while increasing internal competition for forward roles.
Her transition from the A-League to the WSL will be closely watched — adaptation to pace, physicality and tactical nuance will determine how quickly she impacts results. For Everton, even a steady return of goals from a new signing can be the difference in tight fixtures.
What to expect next
Early signs will come from preseason and training ground integration: how McNamara links with Cain and the wider attacking group, and how the coaching staff deploys her — as an out-and-out centre-forward, a deeper striker or part of a rotation plan.
If she translates her finishing instincts to the WSL, Everton gain a forward capable of changing games. If adaptation takes longer, her profile still adds valuable depth for a long season.
Final take
This signing feels pragmatic and ambitious: Everton have added proven goalscoring talent without overspending, while continuing a recruitment strategy that blends youth and immediate utility.
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McNamara arrives with momentum and expectation; how she handles the step up will shape whether this transfer is a smart coup or a cautious gamble.
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