[The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6568984/2025/08/22/ruby-mace-everton-leicester-transfer/?source=emp_shared_article) reports that Leicester City defender Ruby Mace is set to sign for Everton. The Toffees initially submitted a £100k ($134,106) bid, which was rejected as Leicester valued one of their key players more highly. However, an improved offer has now been accepted, and Mace has already undergone her medical. An official announcement is expected soon. Mace is currently under contract with Leicester until 2026.
With this signing, Everton are adding a versatile player who is comfortable in the No. 6 role but can also slot into defence. If confirmed, Mace will become Everton’s ninth addition of the summer, following Momiki, Pacheco, Robinson, Fernández, Kitagawa, Van Gool, Vignola, and Ishikawa.
Ruby Mace came through the Arsenal Academy, making her senior debut for the Gunners in 2020 during an FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur and her [WSL](https://womenfootball.blog/womens-super-league-table-standings/) debut a month later. The England international later signed for Manchester City before moving permanently to Leicester City following a loan spell with the Foxes.
Everton have also confirmed the arrivals of Maz Pacheco and Martina Fernández, further strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
Pacheco joins after leaving Aston Villa this summer, becoming Everton’s eighth signing. The Philippines international made 90 appearances and scored three goals during her time at Villa, where she was the club’s longest-serving player at the time of her departure. Before switching international allegiance to the Philippines, the full-back represented England at youth level, featuring in the U17 and U19 European Championships as well as the U20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Martina Fernández has signed permanently from FC Barcelona after an impressive loan spell at Everton. The 20-year-old earned the club’s Young Player of the Season award, making 14 appearances and playing every minute of the second half of the WSL campaign.