Hannah Blundell Returns to Everton on Permanent Deal 2026

Key Points

• Everton have completed the permanent signing of defender Hannah Blundell following her loan spell in the second half of the 2025/26 season.
• The former England international returned to Merseyside after her Manchester United contract expired, having made 10 appearances for the Toffees.
• Blundell played a crucial role in Everton’s strong finish to their inaugural season at Goodison Park, helping the side to an eighth-placed finish.
• The defender cited head coach Scott Phelan’s permanent appointment as an “easy decision” factor in her return.
• Everton Technical Director Nick Cox praised Blundell’s quality and experience, noting her importance to the team’s progress.
• The signing follows other summer additions including Noémie Mouchon, Hannah Cain, Zara Kramžar, and new deals for Megan Finnigan and Aurora Galli.

Everton FC (Liverpool standard) July 20, 2026 – uk/local/everton/">Everton Football Club have confirmed the permanent signing of defender Hannah Blundell, completing the transfer following the expiry of her contract at Manchester United. The former England international, who impressed during a loan spell with the Blues in the latter half of the 2025/26 campaign, has returned to Merseyside on a permanent basis. Blundell made 10 appearances for Everton during her initial loan, contributing to the team’s historic inaugural season at Goodison Park and their eighth-placed finish in the Women’s Super League.

Why Did Hannah Blundell Choose to Return to Everton?

Blundell described her decision to rejoin Everton as straightforward, particularly after the club confirmed Scott Phelan as permanent head coach last month. “I am really happy,” Blundell told evertontv. “It is a proud moment for me and my family, and is something I wanted to do. As soon as I knew Scott was going to be the manager, it was an easy decision for me to stay. I am really excited to get going.”

The defender highlighted the strong team spirit and camaraderie within the squad as a major factor in her choice. “I want to play alongside these players. You could see the happiness we had at the WorldSevens tournament in May – I think everyone showed their true colours. The girls are fantastic. It makes it so easy to play alongside them, and I think that bodes well in bringing the togetherness in the group. Hopefully, that shows on the pitch as well as off the pitch.”

Blundell also expressed pride in representing Everton, noting the club’s rich history. “The Club is a very special one. It is something I am very proud to be a part of. I think the history shows itself and I am extremely proud to be wearing the badge properly this time. Hopefully, we can create some special memories together.”

How Did Hannah Blundell Perform During Her Loan Spell?

During her loan period, Blundell was instrumental in Everton’s improved form from the turn of the year onwards. She assisted Honoka Hayashi’s winning goal in a fixture against West Ham at Goodison Park in February, a match that kicked off a run of four consecutive league victories for Scott Phelan’s side. Additionally, Blundell scored at the WorldSevens tournament, her strike contributing to an 8-2 victory over Leicester City.

Her performances at right-back provided stability and experience, helping the Toffees secure a respectable eighth-place finish in their first season at their new home ground.

What Are Hannah Blundell’s Hopes for the New Season?

Looking ahead, Blundell voiced enthusiasm about playing at Goodison Park and building on the progress made last season. “Goodison is such an iconic stadium,” she continued. “To play our home games here is so special. Creating memories and positive moments is something I am really looking forward to.”

She added,

“I thought we showed some great glimpses of what we can achieve together, and hopefully we can build on that in the new season. Now we have got Scott permanently as well, I think it should be a really exciting season for us.”

Blundell also acknowledged the support of Everton’s fans, both at home and away.

“I felt like as soon as I came into the Club, I built a good relationship with our fans. I think they are fantastic. Especially in a stadium like this, the noise they bring here is incredible and something that really helps as a player when you are playing. And then in away games as well, they are fantastic. Hopefully, we can create great memories together.”

What Did Everton’s Technical Director Say About the Signing?

Everton Technical Director Nick Cox commented on the club’s decision to secure Blundell permanently.

“Hannah felt at home at Everton during her loan spell with us last season and we are delighted to see her join us on a permanent basis.”

Cox further noted,

“She was an important part of the progress made since Scott took charge of the team and, with her quality and vast experience, we are looking forward to her helping us continue that this season.”

The signing of Blundell follows a series of summer moves for Everton, including the arrivals of forwards Noémie Mouchon and Hannah Cain, the permanent transfer of Zara Kramžar, and new contracts for Megan Finnigan and Aurora Galli.

Background of the Development

Hannah Blundell’s return to Everton marks a significant reinforcement for the women’s team as they prepare for the 2026/27 season. Having initially joined on loan in January 2026, the defender quickly became a key figure in the squad, contributing both defensively and in attack. Her experience as a former England international and four-time Women’s champion adds valuable depth to Everton’s backline. The club’s decision to appoint Scott Phelan as permanent head coach following his successful interim spell appears to have been a decisive factor in Blundell’s commitment to the project.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Everton Supporters and the Squad

The permanent signing of Hannah Blundell is likely to bolster confidence among Everton supporters, who have witnessed the team’s steady progress since moving to Goodison Park. Her presence provides stability and leadership in defence, which could translate into more consistent performances and results in the upcoming season. For the squad, Blundell’s experience and familiarity with the team’s style of play under Phelan may accelerate cohesion and tactical understanding. If the club continues to build on this foundation with strategic signings and development, fans can anticipate a competitive campaign with the potential to challenge for higher league positions.