Lionesses prospect Ruby Mace swaps Leicester for WSL rivals Everton in club-record transfer

Mace, who has signed on until 2027, had just 12 appearances under her belt in Leicester colours following her permanent switch from Manchester City last year. Her rise, however, truly began during her earlier loan spell at the Foxes, where her dynamic style and eye for controlling games in midfield drew admiring glances from scouts across the Women’s Super League. With a year left on her contract at Leicester, Everton moved decisively, ensuring they secured one of England’s brightest young stars before rivals could pounce.

Speaking after sealing the move, Mace admitted the whirlwind nature of the deal had barely registered.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet. It all happened so quickly but I’m really happy to be here,” she told BBC Sport. 

The midfielder revealed that conversations with Everton boss Brian Sorensen were instrumental in her decision.

"When I spoke to Brian Sorensen, it was about the style of play and the ambition of the club," she added. "Also, just being able to showcase what I can do in a team that, feels to me, like it could be a level up. That's what I need in this point in my career to push forward."

Mace has already worn the Three Lions shirt, making her England senior debut in December 2024 in a narrow win over Switzerland. But she was left out of Sarina Wiegman’s triumphant Euro 2025 squad, a snub she now intends to turn into motivation.

"I want to make my game better. I still have so much to work on but to be given the opportunity to come here and work with amazing players, hopefully that can elevate me," added Mace. "My main focus is on club football now but if that [England] comes too, I'd be really grateful. It's something I want to happen. I have to work hard and really earn my spot there because it is not easy."

The move for Mace marks Everton’s ninth signing of the summer, a clear statement of intent from The Friedkin Group, who took control earlier this year. Determined to push the club forward both on and off the pitch, the owners have backed Sorensen with fresh talent to build a squad capable of competing with the WSL’s elite.

Mace’s journey has already seen her wear several storied shirts. She rose through Arsenal’s academy ranks, breaking into the senior side during the 2020-21 campaign. Stints at Birmingham City and Manchester City followed, before Leicester gave her a stage to truly showcase her potential. Now, the midfielder arrives on Merseyside with added expectations.

Mace won’t have long to wait to make her presence felt. Everton kick off their Women’s Super League campaign on Sunday with the fiercest fixture of them all, the Merseyside derby against Liverpool. Should she be handed her debut in that clash, it would be a baptism of fire and the perfect opportunity to make an immediate impact in blue.