Kelly Gago played a total of ten games for FC Nantes (starting 9). She made team of the week, scored two goals and gave an assist. There was no lack of interest in the French international. According to L’Équipe Gago was about to sign for Brighton but she chose Everton in the end. Find out why and what she can add to Brian Sørensen’ team.
Kelly GAGO of France during the women’s friendly match between Switzerland and France at Stadium of Geneva on October 29, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport) – Photo by Icon Sport " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&quality=89&ssl=1" src="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&quality=89&ssl=1" alt class="wp-image-8427" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&quality=89&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?resize=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?resize=768%2C512&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&quality=89&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICONSPORT\_243121\_0196.jpg?w=3000&quality=89&ssl=1 3000w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px">
A transfer to England is her dream
Kelly Gago started her professional career with Saint-Étienne before she made the move to Italy in 2022. Her time with Sampdoria ended in 2023 when she moved to Parma and eventually ended with FC Nantes in the summer of 2024. Now it’s time to prove herself in the competitive English Women’s Super League. The forward is making positive moves not only in club football but also with the France international team. Gago scored her first goal against Switzerland in a friendly. Can she continue her good spell with Everton?
Why did you choose Everton?
“I chose to come and play for Everton as I liked what Brian, the head coach, had to say and how his team plays. The way they attack as one and defend as one is what made me want to sign for this team and to help achieve the Club’s goals,” Gago said in her first interview with The Toffees.
Brian Sørensen and his team are in ninth place in the WSL right now. After the 2-1 win against Manchester City the team went into the winter break on a high. But there is much work to do when the league resumes. After ten games his team only scored 6 goals. There is only one team that scored less: Leicester City. The head coach is looking forward to what she can contribute:
“Her speed and physicality is very impressive. Now she will need to adapt to the best league in the world, which we are convinced she will do. As well as her attributes on the pitch, Kelly is a humble, dedicated person off it. She is ready to work hard and we are confident she can be a popular player with Evertonians”, he said.
What Gago expects from her move to the WSL
The English women’s football league is very competititive and physical. As every league it asks something different from the players. Gago played in Italy and France, but what does she expect in England?:
“The English league is one of the best leagues in the world and is very different from that in France. I find the English league to be extremely athletic, physically and I need to consider those factors in deciding to come here to help achieve this club’s goals as well as my own,” the forward explained.
The French international also has some personal goals to achieve at the club: “My personal goals at Everton are to always be at 100% to give the best I can of myself, to stick around a long time and to score goals. To make plenty of assists and always give 100 per cent.”
Her competition at the club
Everton might have had trouble scoring but there are plenty of quality forwards with the squad. Toni Payne put in a brilliant shift against Manchester City and Katja Snoeijs is often there to lead the line. There are also quite some injuries: Gabarro just suffered an ACL injury and will be out for an extended period of time. Gabarro was not the first for Everton this season, Galli was the first to be injured in the opener against Brighton (ACL).
Rikke Madsen announced her pregnancy in May 2024 so she will not be back for quite a while. Emma Bissel and Melissa Lawley are often on the wings so there is plenty of opportunity for Kelly Gago if she can prove herself.