Megan Finnigan has signed a new one-year Everton contract until the end of June 2027 – seeing the women’s club captain extend her stay to surpass 20 years with the Blues.
Having joined at the age of nine, Finnigan progressed through the youth ranks and made her senior debut in 2015. A commanding centre-back, Finnigan has since made more than 200 appearances in royal blue and was given the captain’s armband ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The 28-year-old revealed what the new deal means and provided an update on her recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament knee injury sustained last year. Finnigan told evertontv: “I am feeling very positive at the minute. I am glad to get this sorted and recovery wise, I am in a good place.
“I have been in over the off-season, working hard to get back. This will be my 20th year at the club and that’s special for me. Hopefully, it is even more special because it is the season that I make my return.”
She continued: “When I look back, I am so proud. It is quite special to have been at one club your whole life.
“I have always said that I would happily spend my entire career at Everton if it remains the right place for me. I am really happy.
“It is definitely my home. It is a place I love, but it’s a place that’s challenged me a lot as well.
“Nothing’s ever been given to me. I’ve had to work really hard to be in this position and to be here for 20 years is something I’m really, really proud of.”
Finnigan missed Everton Women’s historic inaugural season at Goodison Park through injury but remained a key figure in the dressing room and at the club’s training ground. Now with a return to the pitch in sight, the defender cited the opportunity to play at the Grand Old Lady as key motivation during her rehabilitation.
She said: “I have played a fair few games there myself, and that is the vision that has been keeping me going throughout this injury. Leading the girls out at Goodison Park, playing in front of the fans, scoring it at the Gwladys Street End – those are the sort of things that keep you going.
“It is really special, the girls really enjoy it, and I’m hoping this season we can have a lot more happy memories at Goodison Park. It is amazing and this season, I think it'll really start to feel like our home.”
Nick Cox, Everton technical director, said: “We are delighted Megan has signed a new contract with the club. She has been a brilliant servant and leader throughout her 20 years as a Blue.
“Megan embodies everything a captain should be and her impact on and off the field has been significant ever since she took the armband. That has been typified by the determination and focus she has shown to work her way back from injury, which has been an example to everyone.
“We are looking forward to Megan returning to Scott’s squad (former interim boss Phelan was appointed permanent head coach on June 23) once she is fully fit, when she will get the welcome she deserves from fans, staff and team-mates.”
Meanwhile, Everton have confirmed the permanent transfer of Zara Kramzar from Roma has been formally activated and processed. The 20-year-old Slovenia international midfielder joined the Blues on loan on February 3 with an obligation-to-buy clause and she has made eight appearances to date, scoring once.
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