Arsenal make more space in their squad! Kathrine Kuhl makes WSL loan switch as she joins Everton

Kuhl will finish the 2023-24 campaign with Everton in the hope of securing more regular game time after making just two WSL appearances for Arsenal totalling six minutes in the first half of the season. She reunites with manager Brian Sorensen at Everton, having played under the Dane at former club Nordsjaelland. Kuhl immediately made her Toffees debut off the bench during Saturday's 3-0 Women's FA Cup win over Aston Villa.

Kuhl said to evertontv: "It feels really good to sign for Everton. I'm really looking forward to this experience. Everton's a big club and it's a privilege to be here. My experience so far in the Women's Super League has been really good. I feel I've learnt a lot having come from the Danish league to England. It's a big step. It's an enjoyable and competitive league, and I enjoy playing here.

"Everton felt like a good opportunity for me to come and play alongside some really good players and hopefully gain some minutes."

Arsenal director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: "We've been impressed by Kathrine’s development during her time with us so far and this move will provide her with an opportunity to continue her progression in the WSL. Kathrine is a wonderful young midfielder and we look forward to seeing her grow over the coming months and as her Arsenal career unfolds."

Kuhl's temporary departure is important for her development but has an additional benefit for Arsenal. During the first half of the season, the Gunners had fully filled their 25-player squad quota and it took Noelle Maritz to leave the club for Aston Villa before United States defender Emily Fox could be signed. Kuhl heading to Everton has effectively opened up the space for Arsenal to make another new signing to give manager Jonas Eidevall further options in the crucial months ahead.

Everton have also signed Rikke Madsen this month, taking the total number of Danish players in Sorensen's Everton squad back up to six - alongside Kuhl, Katrine Veje, Sara Holmgaard, Karen Holmgaard and Karoline Olesen. Fellow Dane Nicoline Sorensen was also an Everton player until announcing her sudden retirement last month.

Still only 20 and talented enough to make 11 WSL appearances for Arsenal in the second half of last season upon joining the team a year ago, Kuhl will be determined to prove herself to her parent club while wearing Everton colours. Meanwhile, Arsenal have eyes firmly on a first WSL title in five years in the remainder of 2023-24, but first must navigate an FA Cup round tie against Watford on Sunday.