Everton have secured the loan signing of 18-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from Manchester United for the remainder of the 2024/25 Women’s Super League (WSL) season. This move comes as part of a significant step in Watson’s career, following a difficult start to her time with United. After a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury and a delayed debut, the young Scottish talent is now set to gain valuable first-team experience with Everton.
Emma Watson’s arrival at Everton is part of an exciting transfer window for the Merseyside club, with the Toffees bolstering their squad in a bid to strengthen their position in the WSL. With key signings already made, including Kelly Gago and Martina Fernandez, the addition of Emma Watson could provide another vital piece for manager Brian Sorensen’s plans.
Emma Watson’s Journey to Everton
Emma Watson’s story has been one of perseverance and patience, marked by setbacks that have tested her resolve. Signed by Manchester United in the summer of 2023, Emma Watson was highly rated as one of Scotland’s brightest young prospects. However, her first season with the Red Devils was marred by a significant setback—a serious ACL injury that forced her to miss the entire campaign.
The recovery process was long and arduous, and Emma Watson faced further delays at the start of the 2024/25 season due to a minor issue. Despite these hurdles, the midfielder’s persistence paid off when she finally made her much-anticipated debut for United in November 2024. Ironically, her debut came against Everton in the Subway Women’s League Cup, where United triumphed 2-0.
Although Watson’s introduction to senior football was slow, her talent was undeniable. In what proved to be a defining moment of her season, Watson scored her first goal for United in a match against Championship side Newcastle United in the closing stages of 2024. Her performance at this point showcased glimpses of the potential that had earned her a place in United’s squad in the first place. Despite being just 18 years old, Watson’s skill, composure, and vision have already earned her a spot in Scotland’s senior national team.
A New Challenge at Everton
The opportunity to continue her development away from Manchester United in the form of a loan move to Everton represents an exciting new chapter for Watson. Given the fierce competition for places at United, the young midfielder has often found it difficult to secure regular first-team minutes, making this loan spell a crucial step in her career. The move to Everton offers Watson the chance to showcase her abilities on a regular basis, helping her to grow and mature as a player.
Speaking upon her arrival in Merseyside, Watson expressed her excitement about the opportunity ahead: “I definitely think it’s a place that will really suit me and I’m really looking forward to it.” Watson’s optimism reflects the belief that this move will help her unlock her potential and play a key role in Everton’s ambitions this season.
Everton have been active in the transfer market, bringing in several players to strengthen their squad. With the arrival of Kelly Gago and Martina Fernandez, as well as the expected move of Hayley Ladd from Manchester United, it is clear that the club is focused on building a competitive team for the remainder of the campaign. The addition of Watson brings further depth to their midfield and gives manager Brian Sorensen another talented option as they look to challenge for a higher finish in the WSL standings.
International Recognition and Scotland Call-Up
One of Watson’s most impressive achievements at such a young age is her involvement with the Scotland national team. Despite her age, Watson has already earned recognition at the senior level, making her debut in March 2023. Since then, the midfielder has been regularly called up to represent her country, further demonstrating her potential and maturity.
Watson’s international appearances came during the UEFA Euro 2025 qualifiers, where she featured in crucial matches against Hungary and Finland. Although Watson did not start in these fixtures, her ability to come off the bench and contribute to the team was a testament to her development and the trust placed in her by Scotland manager Pedro Martinez Losa. To date, Watson has earned eight caps for her country, and her continued involvement at the international level suggests that she is considered one of Scotland’s top emerging talents.
Watson’s loan move to Everton could help her continue to build on her international experience. With regular first-team football at club level, Watson is expected to further develop her skills and improve her match fitness, which will only benefit her performances for Scotland in future qualifiers and competitions.
Everton’s Ambitions for the Season
Everton’s decision to secure Watson on loan is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad and improve their standing in the WSL. Under the management of Brian Sorensen, Everton have shown a clear desire to build a competitive team that can challenge for a top-half finish and contend for European spots. The club has invested heavily in the transfer window, with the signings of Kelly Gago, Martina Fernandez, and the expected addition of Hayley Ladd. These moves signal the club’s intent to bolster their midfield and defensive options.
Watson’s arrival adds another layer of depth to a midfield that will need to be at its best in a league as competitive as the WSL. With key players such as Nicoline Sørensen and Ingrid Engen already in place, Watson will be hoping to challenge for a regular starting spot. Her technical ability and versatility could make her an important asset to Sorensen’s system, particularly in the latter stages of the season when match fitness and squad rotation become increasingly important.
The Toffees will be looking to build momentum and maintain a solid run of form as they enter the business end of the 2024/25 campaign. Watson’s contributions will be crucial in helping Everton navigate the challenges of the league while aiming for a strong finish in both the WSL and the FA Cup.
What’s Next for Emma Watson?
For Emma Watson, this loan move represents a crucial opportunity to showcase her talents and establish herself as one of the most promising young midfielders in England. After a challenging start to her career, both with the long-term injury and the slow return to match fitness, Watson now has the chance to develop further in a competitive league.
Watson’s development at Everton could also serve as a springboard to greater opportunities, either with Everton in the future or back at Manchester United. Should Watson prove herself in the WSL, she may find herself more involved in the senior setup for both club and country. United, who initially signed Watson for her potential, will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on her performances and development during her time with Everton.
The loan move also gives Watson the opportunity to experience life in a new environment, gaining invaluable experience from working with a new coach and squad. The lessons learned at Everton could shape her growth as a player, helping her refine her game and prepare for the next step in her career, whether that be at United, Everton, or another club down the line.
Conclusion
Emma Watson’s loan move to Everton marks an important milestone in the 18-year-old midfielder’s career. After a series of setbacks and a slow start at Manchester United, Watson is now set to take on a new challenge in the WSL. Everton, with their strengthened squad, will provide the perfect platform for Watson to continue her development and gain vital first-team experience.
Her move to Merseyside has the potential to be a defining moment in her career, helping her to unlock her full potential both at club and international level. As she continues her journey with Everton, Watson will be looking to make the most of her time in the WSL and lay the groundwork for a successful future in women’s football.
