Westfield Matildas attacker Hayley Raso is heading to England after agreeing a six-month deal to join up with FA Women’s Super League outfit Everton.
Raso follows in the footsteps of international teammate Sam Kerr, who signed for Chelsea in November 2019 and made her Blues debut earlier this month.
Raso missed Brisbane Roar’s 0-0 draw against Sydney FC on Thursday and finalised a move to Merseyside for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old scored four goals and made two assists in her eight matches in the Westfield W-League 2019/20 campaign.
Raso departs Roar after five seasons across two stints at the club in which she made 47 appearances and scored 16 goals.
She was part of Canberra United’s 2011/12 Premiership and Championship double-winning team, and played 85 matches in the competition and scored 23 goals during stints at Roar, Canberra and Melbourne Victory.
The 40 cap-Westfield Matilda has turned out for American club Portland Thorns in the last four National Women’s Soccer League seasons, scoring 13 goals in 81 matches in the United States, and lifting the NWSL title in 2017.
Raso’s new club, Everton, lie seventh in the WSL ladder, having won five of their 10 matches.
“I’m extremely thankful for my time at Brisbane Roar and am very proud that I was able to represent my home team,” Raso told Roar’s official website.
“A huge thank you to the Roar fans for your endless support every week.
“Finally, thank you to [Head Coach] Jake [Goodship] and my teammates. I wish Brisbane Roar great success and will be cheering and following along for the rest of the season and beyond.”
Following Roar’s goalless draw against Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval, the club’s all-time top goalscorer, Tameka Yallop, wishes Raso well.
“Good for her,” Yallop said.
“It’s always good to see players going overseas and and to good leagues. All the best to Hayley.
“We’ll miss her, but all the best.”
Roar CEO David Pourre added: “It’s wonderful that Australian, and specifically Queensland talent, is being recognised by European clubs.
“Hayley has been a tremendous member of our Westfield W-League side over many years.
“I’m sure all our fans, members and sponsors will join myself and all involved at the club in wishing Hayley all the best in her future football endeavours.”
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