Everton Sign Barcelona Gem Martina Fernández

Martina Fernández signing for Everton FC / Photo Credits: Everton Football Club

Everton have announced the loan signing of Catalan defender 20-year-old Martina Fernández from FC Barcelona until the completion of the 24/25 season. Fernández extended her Barcelona contract until June 30th 2026 before jetting off to Liverpool, swapping Blaugrana for royal blue.

This elegant central defender who can also play in a fullback role overcomes challenges flawlessly and strengthens defensive lines effortlessly, marks the Toffees second signing of the new year yet the first for Everton’s defence following the arrival of French attacker Kelly Gago.

Despite her youthful age, Fernández already holds the trophy cabinet of dreams having accomplished enormous feats with FC Barcelona winning 2 consecutive Liga F, 2 Copa de La Reina, a Supercopa de España and a UEFA Women’s Champions League, including an unprecedented and historic quadruple in 23/24. Alongside success at international level by securing 2 successive UEFA Women’s U-19 Euros in 2022 and 2023.

The Girona native has been encompassed within the ranks of the Spanish giants since 2018 and was awarded her debut opportunity by former head coach Jonatan Giráldez in February 2022 and has since made 29 appearances across all competitions scoring 3 goals (all during the 23/24 season). Martina exquisitely established herself as a stalwart central defender as a result of injuries to Fridolina Rolfo and Mapi Leon. Evertonians must anticipate her debut and watch closely in the case of a repeated debut goal alike her Champions League debut – a 6-0 away victory vs Rosengard, when following her 66th minute entrance for Ingrid Engen, scored the final goal in 90+2.

Speaking to Everton FC’s official channel Martina proclaimed,

“I am so excited to be here, and cannot wait to play. I know Everton is a historic club and that the fans are very supportive so I cannot wait to meet them. They can expect hard work for me. I will give my everything on the pitch. Everton is a great club; the team is so good and the league-I love it! It is a great change in my career, and I can grow as a player. The club has helped young players develop. I want this because I am a young player. It was one of the key reasons for coming here. I am so happy to be here. I will give my everything for Everton and am so proud to be one of the toffees!”

Martina’s comments about holding excitement and being raring to play root from an eagerness to both play for her new Merseyside home, where she will be reunited with Everton’s Andalusian summer signing and Spanish youth teammate María Inmaculada Gabarro more commonly known as Inma Gabarro, (currently sidelined due to suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury)  and perhaps having a point to prove following her injuries restricting a full display of her abilities and talents so far this season and excluding her from the favour of new Barcelona head coach Pere Romeu.

Since the commencement of the season, Fernández has missed three months of football undergoing rehabilitation for an external meniscus rupture in her right knee nearing the completion of last season, with successful surgery being performed by esteemed Doctor Jordi Puigdellívol in Barcelona. Unfortunately, following her return, featuring in two Liga F matches against Granada and Levante, in October she suffered external parameniscitis in her right knee sidelining her for six weeks. Martina received medical clearance for FC Barcelona’s UEFA Women’s Champions League Group D decider against Manchester City at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys yet did not feature as the reigning champions saw off Man City in a 3-0 dominant display.  A common denominator between Everton and their new star signing is the experience of reigning victorious over the cityzens with the toffees making history a mere three days before the Champions League clash.

An indefinite diamond for the future that the Women’s Super League and its attackers need to watch out for. From Ordís-Girona to the pinnacle of women’s club football to the fields of Walton Hall Park.

Martina Fernández Vila. Remember the name.