Everton have formally completed the permanent signing of Zara Kramžar from Roma, activating the purchase clause that was included in the loan deal that brought the Slovenian international to Merseyside in February. The fee has not been disclosed, but the decision itself is revealing.
The move was never simply about what Kramžar could offer during the second half of last season. Everton’s willingness to make the transfer permanent suggests they see her as part of a much longer-term plan.
A Small Sample, But Enough To Convince
Zara Kramžar made seven Women’s Super League appearances after arriving from Roma and became the first Slovenian player to feature in the competition. She scored her first Everton goal in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool and was also part of the squad’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the World Sevens tournament.
Those numbers alone would not normally justify a permanent transfer. Seven league appearances is a limited sample size. Yet Everton have clearly seen enough behind the scenes to commit to a player who only turned 20 earlier this year. That reflects the profile Kramžar has carried throughout her career.
A Career Built On Early Progress
Born on 10 January 2006, Zara Kramžar emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Slovenian football before earning a move to Roma at the age of 16. She quickly became one of the youngest players ever to feature in Serie A and gained experience in both domestic and European competition.
A loan spell at Como followed before Everton brought her to England during the winter transfer window with an obligation to buy included in the agreement.
The pathway is notable because it mirrors how many clubs now recruit young attacking players. Rather than expecting immediate impact at an elite club, they are given opportunities to play regularly elsewhere before taking the next step. Everton appear to believe Kramžar is ready for that next stage.
Everton Are Investing In Potential
Women’s football has become increasingly competitive financially. Clubs are often forced to choose between investing in proven experience or backing younger players with room to develop. Zara Kramžar falls firmly into the second category.
While Everton have also pursued experienced players this summer, including reported talks with Hannah Blundell, the decision to secure Kramžar permanently points towards a broader strategy. The club are not simply looking for players who can help immediately. They are also looking for players who could become important figures over the next several years.
At 20, Kramžar still has significant room for development. She already possesses senior international experience with Slovenia and has spent time at clubs such as Roma and Como, yet she remains younger than many players only now breaking into first-team football.
A Different Everton
The timing of the move also reflects the direction Everton appear to be heading under Scott Phelan. The second half of last season brought encouraging signs, including four consecutive league victories and a strong finish at Goodison Park. Keeping Kramžar is another indication that the club are trying to build on that momentum rather than simply maintain it.
There are no guarantees attached to any young player. Development is rarely linear and potential alone never wins matches. What Everton have done, however, is make a clear statement that they believe Kramžar’s best football is still ahead of her. Permanent transfers are ultimately expressions of confidence. This one suggests Everton see Zara Kramžar as more than a promising loan signing.
Transfer Snapshot
Player: Zara Kramžar
Date of Birth: 10 January 2006
Age: 20
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Current Club: Everton
Previous Club: AS Roma
Nationality: Slovenia
Transfer Status: Confirmed permanent transfer
Contract Length: Not announced
Why It Matters
Everton have chosen to invest in one of the youngest players in their squad rather than treating her loan spell as a short-term solution. The move reflects a growing focus on identifying players whose peak years are still ahead of them.
Source: Everton